The ECOWAS Community Court of Justice has awarded N10 million in general damages to journalist Jide Oyekunle over his assault, unlawful arrest, and detention by police officers while covering the #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria protest in Abuja.
The judgment, delivered on June 22, 2026, in Suit No. ECW/CCJ/APP/29/25, found the Federal Republic of Nigeria liable for violating Oyekunle’s fundamental rights, including his rights to freedom of expression, personal liberty, dignity, and property as guaranteed under the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.
Oyekunle, a correspondent with Independent Newspaper and Secretary of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), FCT Council, was assaulted, detained, and had his camera damaged and mobile phone seized by armed police officers on August 1, 2024, at Eagle Square, Abuja, while reporting on the nationwide protests.
The case was instituted by Avocats Sans Frontières France (Lawyers Without Borders France) under its eRIGHTS project, supported by the European Union, which focuses on protecting human rights in the digital space.
In its ruling, the regional court agreed with counsel to the applicant, Collins I. Maidoh-Anene, that the actions of the Nigerian police were excessive, unjustified, and contrary to international human rights standards.
The court held that the detention of the journalist and the confiscation of his mobile phone disrupted his live coverage of the protest, thereby violating his right to freedom of expression under Article 9 of the African Charter.
It further ruled that the assault and detention infringed on his rights to personal liberty, human dignity, and freedom from degrading treatment under Articles 5 and 6 of the Charter.
The temporary seizure of his phone was also found to be a violation of his right to property under Article 14.
According to the court, the Nigerian government failed to demonstrate that the actions of its security personnel met the international legal test of necessity, rendering the conduct unlawful.
Consequently, the court ordered the Federal Government of Nigeria to pay Oyekunle N10 million as compensation for the violations.
Reacting to the judgment, Country Director of Avocats Sans Frontières France, Angela Uwandu Uzoma-Iwuchukwu, described the ruling as a significant victory for press freedom and digital rights.
She said the judgment sends a strong message that journalists’ digital tools are extensions of the modern newsroom and that arbitrary confiscation of such tools by security agencies amounts to an attack on the public’s right to information.
“The court’s pronouncement adds to the growing jurisprudence from the regional court protecting journalists and human rights defenders who document protests and public interest events,” she said.
Uzoma-Iwuchukwu added that ASF France would continue to monitor compliance with the judgment and provide legal support to journalists facing similar violations.
She noted that the decision strengthens legal protections for journalism in the digital age, discourages technology-based censorship and intimidation, and reinforces accountability for security agencies that target media practitioners during public demonstrations.
Speaking on the verdict, Oyekunle described the judgment as a major affirmation of journalists’ rights to carry out their constitutional responsibilities without harassment or intimidation.
“The decision of the ECOWAS Court is not only about me; it is about every journalist, media worker, and Nigerian citizen who believes in freedom of expression, access to information, and peaceful civic participation,” he said.
He added that the ruling underscores the need for accountability when government institutions and security agencies violate fundamental rights.
“Democracy cannot thrive where journalists are attacked for documenting events or where citizens are punished for exercising their lawful rights.
If democracy is about good governance, accountability, and transparency, then press freedom must be protected and respected,” he stated.
Oyekunle also expressed gratitude to the NUJ FCT Council, Avocats Sans Frontières France, colleagues, rights advocates, and other supporters who stood by him throughout the legal process.
The judgment is expected to further strengthen protections for journalists and human rights defenders across the ECOWAS region, particularly those covering protests and matters of public interest.
Regional court rules that the journalist’s assault, detention, and seizure of his phone during the #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria protest violated his fundamental rights.
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