The Federal High Court sitting in Lagos has awarded N10 million in damages against the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) for the unlawful harassment and rights violation of activists who participated in the fourth anniversary of the #EndSARS protest held on October 20, 2024.
Justice Musa Kakaki, who delivered the ruling on Thursday, held that the activists were entitled to their constitutional rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and association, as enshrined in Section 40 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
While affirming the police's constitutional powers to maintain law and order, the judge emphasised that such powers must be exercised in line with democratic values and the rule of law.
The court found that the activists were unjustly harassed and intimidated during the peaceful procession, thereby violating their fundamental rights.
The applicants in the suit included 23 individuals and three human rights organisations:
Individuals: Hassan Taiwo Soweto, Uadiale Kingsley, Ilesanmi Kehinde, Osopale Adeseye, Olamilekan Sanusi, Miss Osugba Blessing, 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.
Organisations: Education Rights Campaign (ERC), Take It Back Movement (TIB), and Campaign for the Defence of Human Rights (CDHR).
The ruling is being hailed by rights groups as a landmark victory for civil liberties and a reaffirmation of citizens' rights to protest peacefully. The IGP is yet to issue an official response to the judgment.
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