SUNTV Global Channel | June 24, 2026
The ECOWAS Community Court of Justice has ordered the Federal Government of Nigeria to pay ₦10 million in compensation to journalist Jide Oyekunle after ruling that security operatives violated his fundamental rights during the #EndBadGovernance protests in Abuja.
The judgment, delivered on June 22, 2026, found that Oyekunle was unlawfully assaulted, detained, and deprived of his mobile phone while covering the nationwide protest on August 1, 2024.
According to the court, the actions of the security operatives interfered with the journalist’s professional duties and breached his rights to freedom of expression, personal liberty, dignity, and property as guaranteed under the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.
The case was filed by Avocats Sans Frontières France (ASF France), also known as Lawyers Without Borders France, under its European Union-supported eRIGHTS project.
The court ruled that Nigeria failed to justify the conduct of its security personnel under internationally accepted standards of necessity and proportionality, describing the actions as excessive and unlawful.
Reacting to the judgment, ASF France described the ruling as a major victory for press freedom and digital rights across West Africa.
The organisation noted that journalists’ digital devices are essential tools of modern journalism and that arbitrary confiscation of such devices by security agencies undermines the public’s right to access information.
The ruling is expected to strengthen legal protections for journalists, media practitioners, and human rights defenders covering protests and other matters of public interest throughout the region.
The case stems from the nationwide #EndBadGovernance demonstrations that erupted in August 2024 over economic hardship, rising inflation, food prices, and government policies. During the protests, several journalists and demonstrators reported incidents of harassment, intimidation, and arrests by security agencies.
ASF France stated that it will continue monitoring Nigeria’s compliance with the court’s judgment while providing legal support to journalists facing similar violations.
— SUNTV Global Channel
