A Lagos court has awarded ₦10 million in damages to a group of Nigerians who were mistreated by law enforcement during the fourth #EndSARS memorial held in October 2024.
The ruling, delivered by Justice Musa Kakaki at the Federal High Court, found that officers of the Nigeria Police violated the rights of peaceful protesters during the commemorative event.
The applicants, including individuals like Hassan Taiwo Soweto and Miss Osugba Blessing, had approached the court after facing harassment while participating in the rally. They were supported by several civil rights groups, such as the Education Rights Campaign, Take It Back Movement, and the Campaign for the Defence of Human Rights.
In the judgment, the court emphasized that police authorities, including the Inspector-General of Police and the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, acted outside the bounds of the law. The judge stressed that while security agencies are empowered to maintain order, this must be done in line with democratic principles and respect for civil liberties.
The ruling adds to the ongoing legal and civic fallout from the 2020 #EndSARS protests, as activists continue to demand accountability and space for peaceful assembly.
1 comment
nuyhi3