Court slams N10m fine on IGP, Lagos CP over rights violation

|By Adejumo Adekunle

…Judge rules police acted unlawfully during #EndSARS memorial
…Protesters harassed despite peaceful procession, court holds

The Federal High Court sitting in Lagos has ordered the Inspector-General of Police and the Lagos State Commissioner of Police to jointly pay N10 million in damages to a group of peaceful protesters for violating their fundamental human rights.

Delivering judgment on Thursday, Justice M. Kakaki ruled that the police unjustly harassed the protesters who had gathered peacefully during the fourth anniversary of the #EndSARS memorial procession.

The applicants — including Hassan Taiwo Soweto, Uadiale Kingsley, Ilesanmi Kehinde, Osopale Adeseye, Olamilekan Sanusi, and Miss Osugba Blessing — had sued the police following what they described as unlawful disruption and intimidation during the October procession.

Others listed 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.

Human rights groups including the Education Rights Campaign (ERC), Take It Back Movement (TIB), and Campaign for the Defence of Human Rights (CDHR) were also parties to the suit.

Justice Kakaki emphasized that while the police have the authority to maintain law and order, such power must be exercised within the bounds of the law and with respect for constitutional rights. The court held that the applicants’ right to peaceful assembly and association, as guaranteed by the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria, was breached by the actions of the police.

The ruling reinforces growing concerns about police overreach and underscores the continued relevance of the #EndSARS movement in Nigeria’s democratic space.