The Court of Justice of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has found the Nigerian Government guilty of multiple human rights violations committed during the #EndSARS protests, particularly the violent crackdown at the Lekki Toll Gate on October 20, 2020.
Delivering judgment on Wednesday, Judge Rapporteur, Justice Koroma Sengu, ruled that the Federal Government of Nigeria must pay N10 million in compensation to each victim named in the suit. The case, Obianuju Catherine & 2 Others v. Federal Republic of Nigeria (ECW/CCJ/APP/72/2021), was filed in December 2021 by a coalition of human rights activists and victims of the Lekki Toll Gate shooting.
The ECOWAS Court held that the Nigerian government breached several fundamental rights under the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, including the rights to life, liberty, freedom of expression, assembly, association, and dignity. The Court also faulted the government’s investigative panel into the incident, describing it as lacking independence and credibility, thereby failing to provide effective remedies to victims.
The ruling came after a thorough examination of testimonies and evidence, including the Amicus Brief submitted by Amnesty International. The Court found credible evidence that Nigerian security forces used disproportionate force against unarmed protesters and subjected them to torture, creating widespread fear and trauma.
Apart from ordering compensation, the Court mandated the Nigerian government to conduct independent investigations into the abuses and to report back within six months on progress made in implementing the judgment.
Lead counsel for the Applicants, Bolaji Gabari, hailed the ruling as “a significant victory for the #EndSARS movement and an acknowledgement that citizens’ rights were violated.” Counsel Mojirayo Ogunlana, who traced the journey of the case back to December 2021, expressed relief that justice had finally been served despite government delays.
Obianuju Catherine Udeh, popularly known as DJ Switch, one of the Applicants and eyewitnesses, said the ruling “reaffirms the truth of what happened on October 20, 2020” and described it as “one of the best days of my life since the horrific event.”
Nelson Olanipekun, Executive Director of Citizens’ Gavel, the coordinating organisation for the coalition, said the judgment “is a powerful affirmation of justice and a significant step towards healing and accountability.”
The ruling is being celebrated across civil society as a landmark judgment that underscores the importance of regional judicial mechanisms in holding governments accountable and protecting citizens’ rights.
With this judgment, the Nigerian government faces mounting pressure to comply fully, compensate victims, and take corrective measures against police brutality a central demand of the #EndSARS protests that rocked the nation in October 2020.
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