Nigerian Court Orders Police to Pay N10 Million for #EndSARS Protest Rights Violation
In a significant legal victory for human rights advocates, a High Court in Lagos has ordered the Nigeria Police Force to pay N10 million in damages for violating the rights of #EndSARS protesters. This ruling, delivered on Thursday, July 24, 2025, by Judge Musa Kakaki, underscores the judiciary's role in holding state actors accountable for abuses.
Here's a detailed look at the judgment and its context:
The Core of the Judgment:
Violation of Rights: Judge Kakaki explicitly stated that the police infringed upon the fundamental rights of protesters during a commemorative rally held on October 20, 2024. This rally marked the fourth anniversary of the original #EndSARS movement.
Background of the Rally: Despite the Lagos State Police Command's prior prohibition of any commemorative protests, demonstrators gathered at the Lekki Toll Gate on October 20, 2024. Their intention was to honor those who lost their lives during the initial #EndSARS protests against police brutality in October 2020.
Police Actions: Reports indicate that at least 18 protesters were arrested by police operatives during this commemoration, which formed the basis of the lawsuit. The court found these arrests and the actions taken by the police to be a violation of the protesters' rights.
Compensation Awarded: The N10 million in damages is intended to compensate the affected protesters for the violation of their rights.
Context of the #EndSARS Movement:
Origins: The #EndSARS movement began in October 2020 as a nationwide youth-led protest against police brutality, particularly by the notorious Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) unit of the Nigeria Police Force. The protests quickly broadened to include demands for broader governance reforms.
Lekki Toll Gate Incident: A pivotal and tragic event during the original 2020 protests was the shooting of peaceful demonstrators at the Lekki Toll Gate in Lagos on October 20, 2020. While the exact death toll remains disputed, many were injured and killed, leading to widespread local and international condemnation.
Judicial Panels of Inquiry: Following the 2020 protests, several states, including Lagos, set up independent judicial panels of inquiry to investigate cases of police brutality and human rights violations and to recommend compensations for victims. Many victims received favorable judgments and compensation recommendations from these panels.
Challenges in Enforcement: A recurring challenge has been the actual enforcement of these judgments and payment of compensations. Historical precedent suggests that securing payment from government agencies, including the police, for court-awarded damages can be difficult, often requiring further legal action or the assent of the Attorney General.
Significance of the Latest Ruling:
Accountability: This judgment serves as a strong affirmation of judicial independence and the principle of accountability for state security forces in Nigeria. It reinforces that citizens have legal recourse when their fundamental rights are violated, even during protests.
Deterrent: The ruling could act as a deterrent against disproportionate use of force and arbitrary arrests by the police during protests.
Symbolic Victory: For #EndSARS activists and victims of police brutality, it represents a significant symbolic victory, keeping the demands of the movement alive and seeking justice for those affected.
Ongoing Legal Battles: This particular case is distinct from broader rulings by the ECOWAS Community Court of Justice, which also found the Nigerian government guilty of human rights abuses during the 2020 #EndSARS protests and ordered compensation to victims. This highlights the multi-faceted legal efforts to seek justice for the movement.
The enforcement of this N10 million judgment will be closely watched as it will indicate the commitment of the Nigerian government and its institutions to upholding human rights and the rule of law.
I'm Aisha shehu
Talksocialtalka News
