#EndSARS: Court Awards N10m Against Police for Rights Violation
The Federal High Court in Lagos has awarded ₦10 million in damages against the Inspector-General of Police and the Lagos State Commissioner of Police for violating the fundamental rights of peaceful protesters during the fourth #EndSARS memorial.
Justice M. Kakaki, delivering judgment on Thursday, ruled that the applicants were unlawfully harassed and that their constitutional rights were infringed. The judge emphasized that while the police are empowered to enforce the law, such actions must align with democratic principles and the rule of law.
The case was filed by 22 applicants, including Hassan Taiwo Soweto, Uadiale Kingsley, and Osugba Blessing, among others. Civil society groups—Education Rights Campaign (ERC), Take It Back Movement (TIB), and Campaign for the Defence of Human Rights (CDHR)—were also co-applicants.
The court reaffirmed the citizens’ right to peaceful assembly and association as guaranteed by the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria.
