Court Slams IGP With ₦10 Million Fine For Violating EndSARS Protesters’ Rights

Published July 24, 2025 at 3:21 PM

A Federal High Court in Lagos has directed the Inspector-General of Police and the Lagos State Commissioner of Police to pay ₦10 million in compensation to #EndSARS protesters for the violation of their rights during the 2024 anniversary procession.

The judgment was delivered on Thursday, July 24, 2025, by Justice M. Kakaki.

The court held that the police unlawfully harassed and disrupted citizens who were peacefully marking the fourth anniversary of the 2020 #EndSARS protests on October 20, 2024.

Justice Kakaki emphasized that although the police are authorized to maintain public order, their actions must comply with the rule of law and democratic principles.

The judge affirmed that the protesters were lawfully exercising their constitutional right to peaceful assembly and association, as enshrined in Section 40 of the Nigerian Constitution.

The applicants in the case included more than 20 individuals and three civil society organizations: the Education Rights Campaign (ERC), Take It Back Movement (TIB), and the Campaign for the Defence of Human Rights (CDHR).

They had taken legal action after suffering intimidation and obstruction from law enforcement during their peaceful demonstration.

The court ruled in their favor, declaring that their fundamental human rights had indeed been violated.