Justice Musa Kakaki of the Federal High Court in Lagos has ordered the Inspector‑General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to pay N10 million in damages to activists who marked the fourth anniversary of the #EndSARS protest.
The judgment, delivered on Thursday, held that their constitutional rights were violated during the peaceful procession on October 20, 2024.
Right to peaceful assembly upheld
Justice Kakaki ruled that the applicants were entitled to the freedom of peaceful assembly and association guaranteed under Section 40 of the 1999 Constitution.
He stated that while the police have powers to enforce laws, such powers must align with democratic principles and the rule of law.
Applicants and organisations
Those awarded damages include Hassan Taiwo Soweto, Uadiale Kingsley, Ilesanmi Kehinde, Osopale Adeseye, Olamilekan Sanusi, Osugba Blessing, Kayode Agbaje, Michael Adedeji, Jennifer Rita Obiora, Orunsola Oluremi, Seyi Akinde, Akin Okunowon, Ugochukwu Prince, and Aisha Omolara.
Others are Thomas Abiodun Olamide, Ogbu Obinna Ferdinald, Aghedo Kehinde Stephen, Duronike Olawale, Isaac Obasi, Funmilayo Jolade Ajayi, Gideon Adeyemi, and Afeez Suleiman.
Civil society involvement
The case also involved three organisations — Education Rights Campaign (ERC), Take It Back Movement (TIB), and Campaign for the Defence of Human Rights (CDHR) — who joined in seeking justice for the rights violations.
