The Nigerian police have been ordered to pay ₦10 million in compensation to 22 peaceful protesters for the violation of their fundamental human rights during the fourth-anniversary memorial of the #EndSARS protests.
The judgment was given on Thursday by Justice M. Kakaki at the Federal High Court in Lagos, Dockaysworld reports.
The protesters had gathered on October 20, 2024, at the Lekki Toll Gate to remember those who died during the 2020 #EndSARS protest. However, according to court filings, police officers from Lagos State came and dispersed the gathering using tear gas and physical force.
The protesters included students, activists, and members of civil society groups.
According to eyewitnesses, the police resorted to beating them, dragging them into vans, and keeping them in detention at the SCID in Yaba.
The applicants, led by Hassan Taiwo Soweto and including Uadiale Kingsley, Ilesanmi Kehinde, and others, filed a joint suit, accusing the police of unlawful arrest, intimidation, harassment, and violation of their constitutional rights.
In his ruling, Justice Kakaki affirmed that the right to peaceful protest and freedom of assembly are enshrined in Sections 39 and 40 of the 1999 Constitution. He held that the police, while empowered to maintain public order, acted outside the bounds of legality and democratic principles.
He subsequently awarded ₦10 million in damages against the Inspector-General of Police and the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, jointly.
