A Federal High Court sitting in Lagos on Thursday, July 24, 2025, ordered the Inspector-General of Police and Commissioner of Police in Lagos State to pay N10 million in damages for violating the rights of peaceful protesters.
The Court presided over by Justice M. Kakaki, held that the security agencies acted unlawfully during the #EndSARS memorial held on October 20, 2024.
Justice Kakaki also held that the applicants were entitled to freedom of peaceful assembly and association, as guaranteed under section 40 of the 1999 constitution (as amended).
The court further held that while the police have powers to enforce the law, those powers must be exercised in line with democratic principles and the rule of law.
The trial judge held that the applicants were unjustly harassed and their rights infringed upon.
The applicants 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, Duronike Olawale, Isaac Obasi, Funmilayo Jolade Ajayi, Gideon Adeyemi, and Afeez Suleiman.
The court also recognised three applicant organisations, including Education Rights Campaign (ERC), Take It Back Movement (TIB), and the Campaign for the Defence of Human Rights (CDHR).
