FG ordered to pay compensation for #EndSARS violations

• The ECOWAS Court of Justice ruled that the Nigerian government violated the rights of #EndSARS protesters at the Lekki tollgate in October 2020, using disproportionate force and live rounds on unarmed protesters
• The court ordered the government to pay N2 million in compensation to each victim and conduct investigations into the human rights abuses
• This landmark verdict is a significant victory for the #EndSARS movement and a step towards accountability for the Lekki Tollgate tragedy

In a historic judgment, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Community Court of Justice has ruled that the Nigerian government violated the rights of #EndSARS protesters at the Lekki tollgate in October 2020.

The court condemned the government's "disproportionate use of force" and ordered compensation for the victims.

The court ordered FG to pay compensation to three victims of the case. Image: X/smile
Source: Twitter

The case, brought by a coalition of human rights activists and organisations, alleged severe violations of fundamental human rights by Nigerian security forces.

The court found credible evidence of torture, violations of liberty and security, assembly, free speech, and dignity, The Guardian reported.

It also acknowledged that live rounds were shot into the crowd of unarmed protesters, creating a situation of fear.

The court ordered the Nigerian government to pay N2 million in compensation to each victim named in the suit and mandated the government to conduct investigations into the human rights abuses.

The government must report back to the court in six months with an update on the compensation and progress of the inquiry.

Reacting to the judgment, counsel for the applicants described the ruling as a significant victory for the #EndSARS movement and an acknowledgement that citizens' rights were violated.

The coalition urged the Nigerian government to comply fully with the court's orders and address the systemic issues identified in the judgment.

15 EndSARS protesters languishing in Lagos jails

In a piece of related news, Legit.ng reported that years after the suppression of nationwide #EndSARS protests against police brutality, at least 15 protesters arrested in 2020 are still being detained.

According to Amnesty International, the majority of the detainees are held without trial in Kirikiri and Ikoyi correctional centres in Lagos.

Source: Legit.ng