Dare Babalola
The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), and the Lagos State Commissioner of Police have been ordered to pay the sum of N10 million as damages to participants of #EndSARS protests for violation of the fundamental rights of several peaceful demonstrators.
The order was issued by the Federal High Court sitting in Lagos on Thursday by Justice M. Kakaki.
In a suit filed by applicants who participated during the fourth anniversary of the peaceful memorial procession, the judge ruled that the applicants were unjustly harassed and their rights infringed upon.
While the court admitted that the police have constitutional powers to enforce laws, the judge ruled that the applicants were entitled to the constitutional right to freedom of peaceful assembly and association as contained in the Nigerian Constitution.
The court also noted that the powers of the police must be exercised in accordance with democratic principles and the rule of law.
The applicants are: Hassan Taiwo Soweto, Uadiale Kingsley, Ilesanmi Kehinde, Osopale Adeseye, Olamilekan Sanusi, and Miss Osugba Blessing.
Others include: 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.
Education Rights Campaign (ERC), Take It Back Movement (TIB), and Campaign for the Defence of Human Rights (CDHR) were also part of the suit.
