JUST IN: Court slams IGP, Lagos CP with N10m fine over #EndSARS protest clampdown

In a landmark judgement, the Federal High Court in Lagos has ordered the Inspector-General of Police and the Lagos State Commissioner of Police to pay ₦10 million in damages for violating the fundamental rights of peaceful protesters during the #EndSARS memorial held on October 20, 2024.

Delivering the ruling on Thursday, Justice M. Kakaki declared the actions of the security agencies as unlawful, affirming that the protesters were exercising their constitutional right to peaceful assembly.

According to the judge, the conduct of the police violated Section 40 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which guarantees citizens the freedom of peaceful assembly and association.

He held that while the police have powers to enforce the law, those powers must be exercised in line with democratic principles and the rule of law.

“The applicants were unjustly harassed and their rights infringed upon,” the judge ruled.

The applicants include Hassan Taiwo Soweto, Uadiale Kingsley, Ilesanmi Kehinde, Osopale Adeseye, Olamilekan Sanusi, 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.

The court also recognised three applicant organisations, including Education Rights Campaign (ERC), Take It Back Movement (TIB), and the Campaign for the Defence of Human Rights (CDHR).

(PoliticsNigeria)