The Federal High Court sitting in Lagos has awarded N10 million in damages against the Inspector-General of Police, IGP, and the Lagos State Commissioner of Police for violation of the fundamental rights of several peaceful protesters.
The judgment stems from a suit filed by individuals who took part in the fourth anniversary memorial procession of the #EndSARS movement.
Delivering the judgment on Thursday, Justice M. Kakaki held that the applicants were unjustly harassed and their rights infringed upon.
The case was brought before the court by a group of applicants, including Hassan Taiwo Soweto, Uadiale Kingsley, Ilesanmi Kehinde, Osopale Adeseye, Olamilekan Sanusi, and Miss Osugba Blessing, among others.
In total, 22 individuals were listed as applicants, alongside civil society groups such as the Education Rights Campaign (ERC), Take It Back Movement (TIB), and the Campaign for the Defence of Human Rights (CDHR).
According to the court, 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 judge affirmed that the applicants were entitled to the constitutional right to freedom of peaceful assembly and association as contained in the Nigerian Constitution.
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