In a landmark judgement, the Federal High Court in Lagos has ordered the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) to pay ₦10 million in damages for violating the fundamental rights of #EndSARS protesters during a memorial rally held in 2024.

Delivering the ruling on Thursday, Justice Musa Kakaki found that the police had infringed on the rights of peaceful demonstrators who assembled at the Lekki Tollgate on 20 October 2024 to mark the fourth anniversary of the #EndSARS protests against police brutality.

During the memorial, officers of the Lagos State Police Command arrested at least 20 individuals, detaining them in a police van for several hours before releasing them without charge.

This prompted 22 individuals to file a fundamental rights enforcement suit, supported by three prominent civic organisations: the Education Rights Campaign, the Take It Back Movement, and the Committee for the Defence of Human Rights.

The applicants in the suit included Hassan Taiwo Soweto, Uadiale Kingsley, Ilesanmi Kehinde, Osopale Adeseye, Olamilekan Sanusi, Osugba Blessing, Kayode Agbaje, Michael Adedeji, Jennifer Rita Obiora, Orunsola Oluremi, Seyi Akinde, Akin Okunowon, Ugochukwu Prince, Aisha Omolara, Thomas Abiodun Olamide, Ogbu Obinna Ferdinald, Aghedo Kehinde Stephen, Duroonike Olawale, Isaac Obasi, Funmilayo Jolade Ajayi, and Afeez Suleiman.

Named as respondents in the suit were the Inspector-General of Police, the Nigeria Police Force, the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, the Chairman of the Lagos State Task Force, the Governor of Lagos State, and the Attorney-General of Lagos State.