The Federal High Court in Lagos has awarded N10 million damages against the Nigeria Police Force for violating the rights of #EndSARS protesters during a memorial rally on October 20, 2024.
The court ruled that the police infringed on the protesters’ rights, and the N10 million damages were awarded as compensation.
The ruling was delivered by Musa Kakaki, the trial judge, who held that the police actions were unlawful and violated the protesters’ fundamental human rights.
The judge noted that the police’s actions were a clear breach of the protesters’ rights to freedom of assembly and expression.
The #EndSARS movement, which began in 2020, was a widespread protest against police brutality and corruption in Nigeria.
The movement gained momentum on social media, with many Nigerians sharing their experiences of police harassment and abuse.
The protests led to a nationwide outcry, and the government was forced to disband the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), a police unit that was accused of widespread human rights abuses.
The court’s decision is a significant victory for the #EndSARS protesters and a rebuke to the police for their actions.
The ruling sends a strong message that the police must respect the rights of citizens and that any attempts to infringe on those rights will be met with consequences.
The protesters had argued that the police’s actions during the memorial rally were a clear breach of their rights and that they suffered physical and emotional harm as a result.
The court’s award of N10 million in damages is a significant compensation for the protesters and a recognition of the harm they suffered.
This ruling is a landmark decision that sets a precedent for the protection of human rights in Nigeria.
It emphasizes the importance of respecting the rights of citizens and the need for accountability when those rights are violated.
The court’s decision is a significant step towards ensuring that the police and other security agencies respect the rights of citizens and do not abuse their powers.
