The ECOWAS Court of Justice has ordered the Nigerian government to pay N10 million in damages to journalist Jide Oyekunle over his unlawful arrest, detention, assault, and the seizure of his property.
The judgment was secured by under its eRIGHTS project, which is supported by the European Union.
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Oyekunle, a journalist with Independent Newspaper and former chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) FCT Correspondents’ Chapel, was arrested and assaulted by police officers on August 1, 2024, while covering the #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria protest at Eagle Square in Abuja.
According to the court, the actions of the police violated his rights to freedom of expression, personal liberty, human dignity, and property.
The court also ruled that the seizure of his mobile phone and the disruption of his live coverage were unlawful.
The judges found that the Nigerian government’s reasons for the arrest and seizure of the phone were not justified under international law.
As a result, the court ordered the Federal Government of Nigeria to pay Oyekunle N10 million as compensation.
Reacting to the judgment, Oyekunle said the decision is a victory not only for him but for all journalists and citizens who believe in freedom of expression and access to information.
He said journalists should be allowed to perform their duties without intimidation, harassment, or attacks, adding that democracy can only thrive when press freedom is protected.
Avocats Sans Frontières France welcomed the ruling, saying it strengthens legal protection for journalists and sends a strong message that security agencies can be held accountable when they violate fundamental rights.