Court Orders Police to Pay N10m for Rights Violation of #EndSARS Memorial Protesters

The Federal High Court in Lagos has ordered the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) and the Lagos State Commissioner of Police to pay N10 million in damages for violating the fundamental rights of peaceful protesters during the fourth anniversary of the #EndSARS memorial procession.

In the judgment delivered on Thursday, Justice M. Kakaki ruled that the applicants were unlawfully harassed and had their rights infringed upon. The suit was initiated by Hassan Taiwo Soweto, Uadiale Kingsley, Ilesanmi Kehinde, Osopale Adeseye, Olamilekan Sanusi, and Miss Osugba Blessing, among others.

Other applicants include Kayode Agbaje, Michael Adedeji, Jennifer Rita Obiora, Orunsola Oluremi, Seyi Akinde, Akin Okunowon, Ugochukwu Prince, Aisha Omolara, Thomas Abiodun Olamide, Ogbu Obinna Ferdinald, Aghedo Kehinde Stephen, Duronike Olawale, Isaac Obasi, Funmilayo Jolade Ajayi, Gideon Adeyemi, and Afeez Suleiman.

Organizations such as the Education Rights Campaign (ERC), Take It Back Movement (TIB), and Campaign for the Defence of Human Rights (CDHR) were also part of the legal action.

Justice Kakaki emphasized that while the police have the constitutional authority to maintain law and order, such powers must align with democratic values and the rule of law. The court reaffirmed that the protesters were entitled to their constitutional rights to peaceful assembly and association as enshrined in the Nigerian Constitution.