Court Orders Police To Pay N10 Million Over Attack On EndSARS Protesters

A Federal High Court in Lagos has ruled that the Nigerian Police must pay N10 million in compensation to a group of EndSARS protesters for violating their rights during a peaceful rally.

The ruling followed a case brought by several activists who participated in the fourth memorial procession of the EndSARS movement on October 20, 2024. Justice Musa Kakaki, who delivered the judgment, found that the police actions on that day were unjustified and violated the protesters’ constitutional freedoms.

According to the court, while the police have a duty to maintain law and order, that power must not be used to suppress peaceful demonstrations or infringe on basic human rights. The judge affirmed that the protesters were legally entitled to freedom of assembly and association under Nigerian law.

Those who brought the case included Hassan Soweto, Uadiale Kingsley, Ilesanmi Kehinde, Osopale Adeseye, Olamilekan Sanusi, and Osugba Blessing. They were supported by advocacy groups like the Education Rights Campaign, Take It Back Movement, and the Campaign for the Defence of Human Rights.

The applicants told the court that the police used tear gas, fired live bullets into the air, and violently dispersed demonstrators who had gathered peacefully. Many were reportedly beaten and forced into mobile detention vans, also known as Black Marias. They were later taken to Panti Police Station and held for four hours without any formal charges.

One of the protesters, Hassan Soweto, said in a sworn statement that he was physically assaulted and unlawfully detained. His account detailed how security forces targeted the group despite them holding a peaceful procession.

The court found no legal basis for the use of force and awarded N10 million in damages to the victims. The Inspector-General of Police and the Lagos Commissioner of Police are both held liable to pay the compensation. The judgment marks a rare legal victory for protesters who have long alleged abuse at the hands of security forces.

This development comes as calls grow louder for accountability and justice over the violent suppression of the EndSARS movement and its aftermath.