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 violation of the fundamental rights of peaceful protesters during the fourth anniversary of the #EndSARS memorial procession
Justice M. Kakaki delivered the ruling on Thursday, stating that the applicants were unjustly harassed and had their constitutional rights infringed upon during the peaceful demonstration.
The case was brought before the court by several protesters, including Hassan Taiwo Soweto, Uadiale Kingsley, Ilesanmi Kehinde, Osopale Adeseye, Olamilekan Sanusi, and Miss Osugba Blessing.
Others named in the suit were Kayode Agbaje, Michael Adedeji, Jennifer Rita Obiora, Orunsola Oluremi, Seyi Akinde, Akin Okunowon, Ugochukwu Prince, Aisha Omolara, Thomas Abiodun Olamide, Ogbu Obinna Ferdinald, Aghedo Kehinde Stephen, Duronike Olawale, Isaac Obasi, Funmilayo Jolade Ajayi, Gideon Adeyemi, and Afeez Suleiman.
Also joined in the suit were three activist organizations: the Education Rights Campaign (ERC), Take It Back Movement (TIB), and Campaign for the Defence of Human Rights (CDHR).
The court emphasized that while the police have constitutional powers to maintain law and order, such powers must be exercised within the framework of democratic values and the rule of law. Justice Kakaki affirmed that the applicants were entitled to their constitutional rights to peaceful assembly and association, as enshrined in the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria.
Follow Us on Facebook – @LadunLiadi; Instagram – @LadunLiadi; Twitter – @LadunLiadi; Youtube – @LadunLiadiTV for updates
