The ECOWAS Community Court of Justice has ordered the Federal Republic of Nigeria to pay N10 million in general damages to Mr. Jide Oyekunle, a journalist with Independent Newspaper over physical assault, unlawful arrest, and seizure of his property during a protest coverage in Abuja.
The judgment in Suit No. ECW/CCJ/APP/29/25 was delivered on June 22, 2026. It was secured by Avocats Sans Frontières France, ASF France, under its eRIGHTS project, supported by the European Union, which defends human rights in the digital space.
Oyekunle, a former Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, FCT Correspondents’ Chapel, was assaulted and detained by armed police officers on the order of the then FCT Commissioner of Police, Benneth Igweh.
The incident occurred at Eagle Square, Abuja, on Aug. 1, 2024, while he was covering the #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria protests. His camera was damaged and his mobile phone was seized.
Counsel to the applicant, Collins I. Maidoh-Anene, Esq., argued that the detention and seizure were excessive, unjustified, and contrary to international law. The Court agreed.
It held Nigeria liable for violating Oyekunle’s rights to freedom of expression, personal liberty, dignity and property under the African Charter.
Article 9: Suppressing his live coverage breached his right to freedom of expression.
Articles 5 & 6: The assault and detention violated his rights to personal liberty, human dignity, and freedom from degrading treatment.
Article 14: The temporary seizure of his phone violated his right to property.
The Court also held that Nigeria’s justification failed the test of necessity under international law, rendering the conduct of security forces excessive and unlawful.
In a statement, ASF France Country Director, Angela Uwandu Uzoma-Iwuchukwu, said the judgment affirms that a journalist’s digital tools are extensions of the press and newsroom. She noted that their arbitrary confiscation constitutes a direct assault on the public’s right to know.
“The Court’s pronouncement adds to the growing jurisprudence protecting journalists and human rights defenders who document protests,” she said. ASF France said it would monitor compliance and continue providing legal aid to journalists facing similar violations.
Reacting, Oyekunle described the ruling as an affirmation that journalists must be allowed to carry out their duties without intimidation.
“Democracy cannot thrive where journalists are attacked for documenting events,” he said. “This judgment is not only about me; it is about every journalist, media worker, and citizen who believes in freedom of expression and civic participation.”
He thanked the NUJ FCT Council, ASF France, colleagues, rights advocates, and Nigerians who defended press freedom.
