ECOWAS Court rules that Nigeria violated the rights of #EndSARS protesters at Lekki tollgate in 2020, ordering N10 million compensation per victim and mandating further investigations.
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Court has ruled that the Nigerian government violated the rights of #EndSARS protesters at the Lekki tollgate in October 2020.
This landmark verdict, delivered on Wednesday, highlighted the government’s excessive use of force during the protest on October 20, 2020, in Lagos. The court determined that live ammunition was fired into a crowd of unarmed protesters, resulting in significant human rights violations.
As part of its ruling, the ECOWAS Court ordered the Nigerian government to pay N10 million in compensation to each victim named in the case. The case was brought to the ECOWAS Court by a coalition of human rights activists and organizations. Amnesty International also submitted an Amicus Brief, which was accepted by the court.
After reviewing evidence and testimonies, the court concluded that the Nigerian government’s actions breached several international human rights standards, specifically citing Articles 1, 5, 6, 9, 10, and 11 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.
The court found credible evidence of the disproportionate use of force, and violations of the right to liberty, security, assembly, free speech, and dignity. It also noted that the government’s response was unnecessary and failed to meet its obligations under the African Charter.
Furthermore, the court recognized that the applicants suffered torture and that the shooting of live rounds created an atmosphere of fear. The court mandated that the Nigerian government conduct thorough investigations into these human rights abuses and report back within six months on the progress and compensation awarded.
The ruling has been described as a significant victory for the #EndSARS movement, acknowledging the severe violations experienced by protesters.
Credit: Fiji
