In a groundbreaking judgment, the ECOWAS Court has ordered the Nigerian government to pay N10 million in compensation to each victim of the EndSARS protest crackdown.
The court ruled on July 10, 2024, that the government’s use of force at the Lekki Toll Gate in October 2020 constituted severe human rights abuses.
Human rights activists and organizations spearheaded the case, with support from Amnesty International.
The court’s findings highlighted violations of fundamental rights, including liberty, security, assembly, free speech, and dignity.
The court also criticized the lack of independent investigation into the abuses, mandating the Nigerian government to both compensate the victims and conduct thorough inquiries, with a report due in six months.
This judgment marks a significant victory for the EndSARS movement, with lead counsel Bolaji Gabari calling it an acknowledgment of the rights violations at Lekki.
The ruling sets a precedent for justice and accountability in Nigeria’s human rights landscape.
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