A Federal High Court sitting in Lagos has ruled in favour of several #EndSARS memorial protesters, ordering the Inspector-General of Police and the Lagos State Commissioner of Police to jointly pay ₦10 million in damages for violating the protesters’ fundamental rights.
The judgment was delivered by Justice Musa Kakaki, on Thursday, July 24, who held that the protesters were unjustly harassed during the fourth memorial rally held on October 20, 2024.
According to the judge, the actions of the police amounted to a breach of their constitutional rights.
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“Law enforcement agencies have a constitutional duty to maintain order,” Justice Kakaki said. “However, such powers must be exercised within the boundaries of democracy and the rule of law.”
The applicants in the suit include Hassan Taiwo Soweto, Uadiale Kingsley, Ilesanmi Kehinde, Osopale Adeseye, Olamilekan Sanusi, and Miss Osugba Blessing.
Their case was also supported by several rights organisations, including the Education Rights Campaign (ERC), Take It Back Movement (TIBM), and the Campaign for the Defence of Human Rights (CDHR).
The ruling has been widely seen as a significant win for civic freedoms, coming at a time when many young Nigerians continue to raise concerns about police conduct and respect for citizens’ rights.