Justice Musa Kakaki of the Federal High Court in Lagos, on Thursday, ordered the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) to pay N10 million in damages to some activists who participated in the fourth anniversary of the #EndSARS protest for violating their rights.
Justice Kakaki, who made the order while delivering judgment in a suit filed by the activists, held that the applicants were entitled to the constitutional right to freedom of peaceful assembly and association, as guaranteed under Section 40 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
The judge also ruled, that although the police have constitutional powers to enforce laws, those powers must be exercised within democratic principles and the rule of law.
The court further held that the applicants, who participated in the protest on 20 October, 2024, were unjustly harassed and their constitutional rights infringed upon during the peaceful procession.
The applicants include Hassan Taiwo Soweto, Uadiale Kingsley, Ilesanmi Kehinde, Osopale Adeseye, Olamilekan Sanusi, Miss 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.
The applicants included three organisations – Education Rights Campaign (ERC), Take It Back Movement (TIB), and Campaign for the Defence of Human Rights (CDHR).
More details later…
