The Court of Justice of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has found the Nigerian Government guilty of human rights abuses in its response to the EndSARS protest in October 2020.
The court particularly frowned on the country’s disproportionate use of force at the Lekki Toll Gate in Lagos.
The ruling, issued on July 10, 2024, mandates the Nigerian government to pay a total of N10 million in compensation to each victim named in the suit.
The case, brought before the ECOWAS Court by a coalition of human rights activists and organisations, alleged severe violations of fundamental human rights by Nigerian security forces.
Amnesty International also submitted an Amicus Brief, which was declared admissible by the court.
After thoroughly examining evidence and testimonies, the court concluded that the Nigerian government’s actions breached several international human rights standards, including Articles 1, 5, 6, 9, 10, and 11 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.
Some of its key findings were credible evidence of disproportionate use of force and violations of the right to liberty and security, assembly, free speech, and dignity.
It stated that the use of force was not necessary and contravened the respondent state’s obligations under the African Charter.
The court found that the situation at the Lekki tollgate, where live rounds were shot into the crowd of unarmed protesters, created a situation of fear, and the Nigerian government did not present evidence refuting those allegations.
