BREAKING: EndSars Protesters Win Legal Battle as Court Fines Police N10 Million for Rights Abuse
Kehinde Adeleye
The Federal High Court in Lagos has awarded N10 million in damages against the Inspector General of Police and the Lagos State Commissioner of Police for violating the fundamental rights of several peaceful protesters.
The case was brought by individuals who took part in the fourth anniversary of the EndSARS peaceful memorial procession.
In delivering the judgment on Thursday, Justice M. Kakaki ruled that the applicants were unjustly harassed and that their rights were infringed upon.
The suit was initiated against the police by Hassan Taiwo Soweto, Uadiale Kingsley, Ilesanmi Kehinde, Osopale Adeseye, Olamilekan Sanusi, and Miss Osugba Blessing.
Other applicants included 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.
The Education Rights Campaign, Take It Back Movement, and Campaign for the Defence of Human Rights also joined in the suit.
The court acknowledged that while the police have the constitutional authority to enforce the law, such power must be exercised in line with democratic values and the rule of law.
The judge further stated that the applicants are entitled to their constitutional right to peaceful assembly and association, as guaranteed by the Nigerian Constitution.
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