The ECOWAS Community Court of Justice has ordered the Federal Government of Nigeria to pay N10 million in damages to journalist, Jide Oyekunle, over what the court described as violations of his fundamental rights by security operatives.
The ruling followed a case filed by Oyekunle after he was allegedly assaulted, unlawfully arrested, and had his personal belongings seized while carrying out his duties as a journalist in Abuja.
Delivered in Suit No. ECW/CCJ/APP/29/25, the judgement marks a major legal victory for press freedom and the protection of journalists across West Africa.
Oyekunle, a journalist with Independent Newspaper and Secretary of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), FCT Council, was attacked on August 1, 2024, while covering the nationwide #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria protest at Eagle Square in Abuja.
According to court filings, armed police officers allegedly assaulted him on the directive of former FCT Commissioner of Police, Benneth Igweh. During the incident, his camera was damaged, while his mobile phone was confiscated. He was also detained.
The case was pursued by Avocats Sans Frontières France (Lawyers Without Borders France) under its eRIGHTS project, an initiative supported by the European Union and focused on defending human rights, especially in digital spaces.
In its judgment, the ECOWAS Court held that the actions of Nigerian security operatives violated Oyekunle’s rights under the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.
The court ruled that the assault and detention breached his rights to personal liberty and human dignity. It also held that the seizure of his mobile phone amounted to a violation of his right to property.
More significantly, the court stated that the actions of the security agencies disrupted his ability to report live from the protest ground, thereby violating his right to freedom of expression.
The court agreed with submissions made by Oyekunle’s counsel, Collins I. Maidoh-Anene, who argued that the police acted beyond reasonable limits and failed to justify their conduct under international human rights law.
According to the court, Nigeria’s defence did not meet the legal threshold of necessity and proportionality required under international law.
The judges held that the actions of the security personnel were excessive, unjustified, and unlawful.
As part of its ruling, the court ordered the Federal Republic of Nigeria to pay Oyekunle N10 million as general damages.
Reacting to the judgment, Country Director of Avocats Sans Frontières France, Angela Uwandu Uzoma-Iwuchukwu, described the ruling as a significant milestone for media freedom and digital rights protection.
According to Angela, “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.
“ASF France will continue to monitor compliance with the judgment and provide legal aid 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 further noted that the judgment sends a strong message that digital tools used by journalists are now essential instruments of modern journalism and should not be arbitrarily seized by authorities.
Oyekunle also welcomed the judgment, describing it as a victory not just for himself but for journalists and citizens committed to democratic values.
He said the ruling reinforces the principle that journalists should be allowed to carry out their responsibilities without harassment or intimidation.
He stated that democracy suffers when journalists are attacked for documenting public events.
He said, “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.
“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 also expressed appreciation to the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Avocats Sans Frontières France, colleagues, rights advocates, and supporters who stood by him throughout the legal process.
