The Federal High Court sitting in Lagos has ordered the Inspector-General of Police and the Lagos State Commissioner of Police to pay N10 million in damages for the unlawful harassment and violation of the fundamental rights of peaceful protesters during the fourth anniversary of the #EndSARS memorial.
In a landmark judgment delivered on Thursday, Justice M. Kakaki ruled that the police infringed on the constitutional rights of the applicants, who had gathered peacefully to commemorate the 2020 #EndSARS movement against police brutality.
The suit was filed by activists and participants including Hassan Taiwo Soweto, Uadiale Kingsley, Ilesanmi Kehinde, Osopale Adeseye, Olamilekan Sanusi, and Miss Osugba Blessing, among others. In total, over 20 individuals were listed as applicants, supported by the Education Rights Campaign (ERC), Take It Back Movement (TIB), and the Campaign for the Defence of Human Rights (CDHR).
Justice Kakaki emphasized that while the police have constitutional powers to maintain law and order, such powers must be exercised within the bounds of democratic principles and the rule of law.
The court affirmed the applicants’ right to peaceful assembly and association as enshrined in the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
The ruling is being hailed by civil rights groups as a victory for democratic freedoms and a stern warning against the misuse of law enforcement authority.
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