The ECOWAS Court of Justice has ordered Nigeria to pay 2 million naira each to several victims of the October 2020 #EndSARS protests in Lagos. The protests were organised against the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) of the Nigerian Police Force over allegations of brutality.
Justice Sengu Koroma, the Judge Rapporteur, ruled that Nigeria must compensate each applicant 2 million naira for violating their rights to security. The court also mandated compensation for violations of the rights to freedom of expression, assembly, and protection from torture and inhumane treatment.
The court emphasised that Nigeria must fulfil its obligations under the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR), investigate the human rights violations, and prosecute the responsible agents. Nigeria is required to report back to the court within six months on the implementation of the judgment.
Justice Koroma concluded that Nigeria breached several articles of the ACHPR, including those concerning the right to life, security, freedom of expression, assembly, and the duty to investigate human rights violations.
The case was brought by applicants Obianuju Catherine Udeh, Perpetual Kamsi, and Dabiraoluwa Adeyinka, who reported violations during the peaceful protests at the Lekki Toll Gate in Lagos State between October 20 and 21, 2020. The protests were triggered by the alleged killing of Daniel Chibuike and aimed to address SARS’ harassment and brutality.
Despite the Nigerian government’s denial of the claims and assertion that the protests were unlawful, the court found significant breaches of the applicants’ fundamental human rights.
Source: NAN
