The ECOWAS Community Court of Justice has awarded N10 million in general damages to journalist Jide Oyekunle after finding the Federal Republic of Nigeria liable for violating his fundamental rights during the #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria protests in Abuja.
The landmark judgment, delivered on June 22, 2026, in Suit No. ECW/CCJ/APP/29/25, was secured by Avocats Sans Frontières France under its eRIGHTS project, supported by the European Union, which focuses on the protection of digital and human rights.
Oyekunle, a journalist with Independent Newspaper and former Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), FCT Correspondents’ Chapel, was physically assaulted, unlawfully detained, and had his camera damaged and mobile phone seized by armed police officers on August 1, 2024, while covering the #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria protests at Eagle Square, Abuja. The officers were said to have acted on the directive of former FCT Commissioner of Police, Benneth Igweh.
In its judgment, the Court agreed with counsel to the applicant, Collins I. Maidoh-Anene, that the detention of the journalist and seizure of his mobile phone were excessive, unjustified, and contrary to international law.
The Court held Nigeria responsible for violating Oyekunle’s rights to freedom of expression, personal liberty, dignity, and property as guaranteed under the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.
According to the ruling, the actions of security personnel disrupted Oyekunle’s live coverage of the protests, thereby infringing on his right to freedom of expression under Article 9 of the African Charter.
The Court further found that the assault and detention violated his rights to personal liberty, human dignity, and freedom from degrading treatment under Articles 6 and 5 of the Charter, while the temporary seizure of his mobile phone breached his right to property under Article 14.
The regional court also ruled that Nigeria’s justification for the actions of its security agents failed the test of necessity under international law, describing the conduct as excessive and unlawful.
Consequently, the Court ordered the Federal Government of Nigeria to pay Oyekunle N10 million in general damages.
Reacting to the judgment, Country Director of Avocats Sans Frontières France, Angela Uwandu Uzoma-Iwuchukwu, said the ruling sent a strong message that journalists’ digital tools are extensions of the modern newsroom and that arbitrary confiscation of such devices by security forces amounts to an attack on press freedom and 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 the organisation would continue to monitor compliance with the judgment and provide legal assistance to journalists facing similar violations.
“For Avocats Sans Frontières France and the eRIGHTS project partners, this ruling strengthens legal protections for journalism in the digital age. It shields reporters from tech-based censorship and intimidation, puts security agencies on notice that targeting media practitioners during protests will attract accountability, and reaffirms the ECOWAS Court as a vital shield for civic space in the region,” she stated.
Speaking on the judgment, Oyekunle described it as a significant affirmation of the right of journalists to carry out their constitutional duties without intimidation, harassment, or attack.
“The decision of the ECOWAS Court is not only about me; it is about every journalist, media worker, and Nigerian citizen who believes in the right to freedom of expression, access to information, and peaceful civic participation,” he said.
“This judgment sends a clear message that security agencies and government institutions must be held accountable when they violate fundamental rights.
“Because if democracy is all about good governance, accountability, and transparency, then press freedom should not be curtailed, denied, or restricted.”
Oyekunle expressed gratitude to the Nigeria Union of Journalists FCT Council, Avocats Sans Frontières France, colleagues, rights advocates, and Nigerians who supported him throughout the legal process.
The judgment is being viewed by media and civil society groups as a significant victory for press freedom, digital rights, and accountability in Nigeria and across the West African region.
