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
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