News Desk

The Nigerian government has been found guilty of human rights violations by a West African court, in the 2020 against alleged police brutality. The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Court of Justice in Abuja fined Nigeria for violently suppressing peaceful protesters demanding the dissolution of the notorious Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS).

Almost two weeks into the protests, security forces opened fire on protesters at Lekki Toll Gate in Lagos, which caused casualties. The court presented irrefutable evidence of excessive force and violations of rights to liberty, security, assembly, free speech, and dignity at the Lekki Toll Gate on Oct 20, 2020.

On Wednesday, the court charged Nigeria to pay 2 million in Nigerian Naira (about $1200 in dollars) to each of the victims named in the case as compensations. The lawsuit was filed by Perpetual Kamsi, Dabiraoluwa Adeyinka and ObianujuCatherine Udeh, who were all present at the protest. Udeh live-streamed the shootings, with Kamsa being hospitalized after inhaling tear gas, and Adeyinka  having narrowly escaped being shot. Due to threats, Udeh had to seek asylum.

Bolaji Gabari, their lawyer, hailed the judge’s verdict as a significant win for the #EndSARS movement. The court also mandated Nigeria to investigate and prosecute those responsible for the attacks and report back within six months on the investigation and compensation progress.