A Federal High Court in Lagos has awarded N10 million in damages against the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) and the Lagos State Commissioner of Police for violating the fundamental rights of peaceful #EndSARS protesters during the fourth anniversary memorial procession held on October 20, 2024.
Justice M. Kakaki delivered the judgment on July 24, 2025, ruling that the police unjustly harassed and disrupted citizens exercising their constitutionally protected rights to peaceful assembly and association under Section 40 of the Nigerian Constitution. The court noted that while the police have constitutional authority to enforce laws, such powers must be used lawfully and respect democratic principles and rule of law.
The suit was filed by more than 20 applicants who participated in the memorial event, including Hassan Taiwo Soweto, Uadiale Kingsley, Ilesanmi Kehinde, and others, along with civil rights groups such as the Education Rights Campaign (ERC), Take It Back Movement (TIB), and Campaign for the Defence of Human Rights (CDHR).
Justice Kakaki declared the police conduct as unlawful, emphasizing the importance of respecting protesters' rights:
“The police have constitutional powers to enforce laws, but such powers must be exercised in accordance with democratic principles and the rule of law.”
The awarded damages of N10 million are to be shared among all the applicants in recognition of the violation of their fundamental rights.
This landmark ruling reinforces the constitutional protection of peaceful protest and assembly in Nigeria, marking a significant judicial response to the excessive use of force against #EndSARS peaceful memorials.
