Court Orders Police to Pay N10 Million in Damages Over Lekki Tollgate Protest Arrests
A Federal High Court sitting in Lagos has ordered the Nigeria Police Force to pay N10 million in damages for the unlawful arrest and rights violation of peaceful protesters at the Lekki Tollgate on October 20, 2024.
Justice Musa Kakaki, who delivered the ruling on Thursday, held the police accountable for infringing on the constitutional rights of demonstrators who gathered to mark the fourth anniversary of the EndSARS movement. At least 20 protesters were arrested by officers of the Lagos State Police Command, detained in police vans for hours, and released without charges.
The judgment followed a fundamental rights enforcement suit filed by 22 individuals in partnership with three civil society organisations — the Education Rights Campaign, Take It Back Movement, and the Committee for the Defence of Human Rights. The applicants accused the police of unlawful arrest, suppression of free expression, and violation of the right to peaceful assembly.
Among the named applicants are:
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.
Respondents in the suit include 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 state’s Attorney-General.
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