By Maryjane Austine
EndSARS: Court Fines Police N10m for Violating Protesters’ Rights
The Federal High Court in Lagos has ordered the Inspector-General of Police and the Lagos State Commissioner of Police to pay N10 million in damages for the unlawful harassment of peaceful protesters during the fourth #EndSARS memorial procession.
In the judgment delivered on Thursday, Justice M. Kakaki ruled that the police violated the fundamental rights of the protesters who had gathered peacefully to mark the anniversary. The court declared that their actions were unjust and a breach of the protesters’ constitutional rights.
The suit was filed by several individuals who took part in the procession, including Hassan Taiwo Soweto, Uadiale Kingsley, Ilesanmi Kehinde, Osopale Adeseye, Olamilekan Sanusi, and Miss Osugba Blessing, among others.
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Also included in the case were members of civil rights groups such as the Education Rights Campaign (ERC), Take It Back Movement (TIB), and Campaign for the Defence of Human Rights (CDHR).
Justice Kakaki emphasised that while the police have the legal authority to enforce laws, they must do so within the bounds of democracy and the rule of law. The court affirmed that the applicants were fully entitled to their rights to peaceful assembly and association as guaranteed by the Nigerian Constitution.