A West African court has ruled in favor of three Nigerian protesters, finding the Nigerian government responsible for violating their human rights during the #EndSARS demonstrations in October 2020.
The #EndSARS movement erupted in response to the brutality of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS).
It quickly escalated into the largest anti-government protest in Nigeria’s recent history.
One of the most controversial incidents occurred on October 20th at the Lekki toll gate in Lagos, where security forces were accused of firing live ammunition at peaceful protesters.
Nigerian DJ, Obianuju Catherine Udeh, live-streamed part of the events at the Lekki toll gate. Fearing retaliation for her actions, she went into hiding after receiving threats.
Udeh, along with two other protesters, Perpetual Kamsi and Dabiraoluwa Adeyinka, filed a lawsuit in December 2021 against the Nigerian government at the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) court.
The court found Nigeria in violation of several articles in the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR).
These violations included the right to personal security, protection from torture, freedom of expression and assembly, and the state’s responsibility to investigate human rights abuses.
As a result of the ruling, each of the three women will receive compensation of 10 million naira (approximately $6,170).
Reacting to the verdict, Udeh stated that it was “one of the best days of my life since that horrific day.”
The Nigerian government has not yet responded to requests for comment on the court’s decision.
