The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Community Court of Justice has found the Federal Government of Nigeria guilty of human rights abuses during the #EndSARS protest in 2020.
Delivering the verdict,the court has ordered the government to compensate each victim named in the suit. With 10 million Naira
This case was brough before the court t by a coalition of human rights activists and organizations, over alleged severe violations of fundamental human rights by Nigerian security forces during the protest.
The court found the government’s attempt to justify it’s actions, shabby as no reasonable evidence was tendered to back up their claims.
Instead credible evidence of disproportionate use of force, torture, and violations of the right to liberty, security, assembly, free speech, and dignity was found by the court.
“This ruling is a significant victory for the #EndSARS movement, an acknowledgement that citizens’ rights were violated and abuses occurred at Lekki Toll Gate,” said Bolaji Gabari, lead counsel for the applicants. “We urge the Nigerian government to comply fully with the Court’s orders and take immediate steps to address the systemic issues identified in the judgment.”
The court’s decision was hailed as a major victory by human rights activists and victims of the #EndSARS protest. “This judgement becomes a glimmer of hope that we can indeed head in the right direction in service of the truth and justice,” said Obianuju Catherine Udeh (DJ Switch), one of the applicants.
“The landmark ruling by the ECOWAS Court in favour of EndSARS victims is a powerful affirmation of justice and a significant step towards healing and accountability for the Lekki Tollgate tragedy,” said Nelson Olanipekun, Executive Director at Gavel, coordinating organisation for the coalition.
The court’s findings and orders are a repudiation of the Nigerian government’s attempts to justify its actions during the protest. “The situation at the Lekki tollgate, where live rounds were shot into the crowd of unarmed protesters, created a situation of fear, and the Nigerian government did not present evidence refuting those allegations,” the court stated.
“This ruling is a step towards healing and accountability for the Lekki Tollgate tragedy and a powerful affirmation of justice,” said Mojirayo Ogunlana, counsel to the applicants.
The Nigerian government has been mandated to conduct investigations into the human rights abuses that occurred, with a view to implementing the outcomes of said investigations.
The government has been ordered to report to the Court in six months with an update on the compensation and progress of the inquiry.
