A Federal High Court in Lagos has ordered the Inspector-General of Police and the Lagos State Commissioner of Police to pay ₦10 million in damages for violating the rights of citizens who peacefully marked the fourth anniversary of the #EndSARS protests.

Justice M. Kakaki, who delivered the ruling on Thursday, condemned the unjust harassment of peaceful protesters by security operatives.

 The court ruled that the applicants’ fundamental rights to freedom of assembly and association were infringed upon — rights clearly protected by the Nigerian Constitution.

The case was brought forward by Hassan Taiwo Soweto, Uadiale Kingsley, Miss Osugba Blessing, and 19 others, with support from civil society groups including the Education Rights Campaign (ERC), Take It Back Movement (TIB), and Campaign for the Defence of Human Rights (CDHR).

Justice Kakaki emphasized that while the police have the legal authority to maintain order, such powers must align with democratic principles and the rule of law.

This ruling marks a significant win for human rights advocacy in Nigeria, especially for those who continue to seek justice and accountability following the EndSARS movement.