BREAKING: ECOWAS court slams N10m damages on Nigerian govt over assault of Journalist, Oyekunle

ECOWAS Court Awards Damages to Journalist Jide Oyekunle

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Community Court of Justice has ordered the Federal Republic of Nigeria to pay N10 million in damages to journalist Jide Oyekunle. The ruling, delivered on June 22, 2026, addresses Oyekunle’s claims of physical assault, unlawful arrest, and seizure of his property during a police action.

Oyekunle, who serves as secretary for the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) in the Federal Capital Territory, was attacked and detained by armed police officers while covering the #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria protests at Eagle Square in Abuja on August 1, 2024. His camera was damaged, and his mobile phone was confiscated under the orders of the then-Commissioner of Police, Benneth Igweh.

In the case, identified as Suit No. ECW/CCJ/APP/29/25, legal representation from Avocats Sans Frontières France (Lawyers Without Borders France) successfully argued that the actions of the Nigerian police were excessive and unjustified, violating international law concerning freedom of expression and personal liberty.

The court found the Nigerian government liable for infringing on Oyekunle’s rights as articulated in the African Charter. The judgment affirmed that the police actions inhibited Oyekunle’s ability to report, thus breaching his right to freedom of expression. Additionally, the court noted that the assault violated his personal liberty and dignity.

The ECOWAS Court determined that Nigeria’s justification for the police conduct did not meet the necessity threshold under international law, rendering the actions unlawful.

In a statement following the verdict, Angela Uwandu Uzoma-Iwuchukwu, country director of Avocats Sans Frontières France, emphasized the significance of the ruling. She stated that the court’s decision underscores the importance of protecting journalists’ digital tools, which are critical for press freedom and public access to information.

Oyekunle responded to the ruling, describing it as a crucial affirmation of journalists’ rights to operate free from intimidation and harassment. He asserted that democracy cannot flourish in an environment where journalists are targeted for their work or where citizens face repercussions for exercising their rights.

He also expressed gratitude to those who supported him throughout the legal process, including the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Avocats Sans Frontières France, and colleagues in the advocacy community.

The ruling adds to a growing body of jurisprudence aimed at safeguarding the rights of journalists and human rights defenders in West Africa, according to Uwandu Uzoma-Iwuchukwu.

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