The Federal High Court sitting in Lagos has awarded N10 million in damages against the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) and the Lagos State Commissioner of Police for violating the fundamental rights of peaceful protesters during the fourth anniversary of the #ENDSARS memorial procession.
Justice M. Kakaki delivered the judgment on Thursday, ruling that the applicants were unjustly harassed and their constitutional rights infringed upon by law enforcement officials.
The suit was filed by multiple applicants including Hassan Taiwo Soweto, Uadiale Kingsley, Ilesanmi Kehinde, Osopale Adeseye, Olamilekan Sanusi, and Miss Osugba Blessing, among others. Several civil society organizations including 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.
In the landmark ruling, Justice Kakaki emphasized that while the police have constitutional powers to enforce laws, these powers must be exercised in accordance with democratic principles and the rule of law. The court affirmed that the applicants were entitled to their constitutional right to freedom of peaceful assembly and association as guaranteed by the Nigerian Constitution.
This judgment comes as a significant victory for civil liberties in Nigeria, particularly in the context of the EndSARS movement which began as protests against police brutality in October 2020. The movement has since evolved into a broader call for good governance, accountability, and respect for human rights in Nigeria.
Legal experts view this ruling as a precedent that could strengthen the protection of citizens' rights to peaceful protest and assembly in Nigeria, potentially deterring security agencies from unlawful interference with lawful gatherings.
The police authorities have yet to issue an official response to the court's decision at the time of this report.
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