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The ECOWAS Court of Justice has awarded N10 million in damages against the Federal Government of Nigeria over the assault, unlawful detention and confiscation of property belonging to Independent Newspaper journalist, Jide Oyekunle.

The judgment, delivered in Suit No. ECW/CCJ/APP/29/25, was secured by Avocats Sans Frontières France (Lawyers Without Borders France) on June 22, 2026, through its eRIGHTS project, an initiative backed by the European Union to promote and protect digital rights.

Oyekunle, who serves as Secretary of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, FCT Council, was reportedly assaulted, arrested and detained by armed police officers acting on the directive of former FCT Commissioner of Police, Benneth Igweh, at Eagle Square, Abuja, on August 1, 2024, while covering the #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria protest.

During the incident, his camera was allegedly damaged while his mobile phone was confiscated by the officers.

The regional court agreed with counsel to the applicant, Collins I. Maidoh-Anene, Esq., that the detention of the journalist and seizure of his mobile device by the police were excessive, unjustified and contrary to international legal standards.

Consequently, the ECOWAS Court held the Federal Republic of Nigeria responsible for violating the applicant’s rights to freedom of expression, personal liberty, dignity and ownership of property as protected under the African Charter.

The court subsequently directed the Nigerian government to pay Oyekunle N10 million as general damages.

According to the judgment, the actions of the authorities interfered with the journalist’s live reporting activities and amounted to a violation of his right to freedom of expression as guaranteed under Article 9 of the African Charter.

The court also ruled that the physical assault and detention breached his rights to personal liberty, dignity and protection against degrading treatment under Articles 5 and 6 of the Charter.

Additionally, the temporary confiscation of his phone was held to be a violation of his property rights under Article 14.

The court further noted that the reasons advanced by the Nigerian authorities failed to satisfy the requirement of necessity under international law, making the actions of the security personnel excessive and unlawful.

In a statement issued on Tuesday by the Country Director of Avocats Sans Frontières France, Angela Uwandu Uzoma-Iwuchukwu, the organisation described the judgment as a strong affirmation that journalists’ digital devices are integral tools of modern journalism.

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.”

Reacting to the judgment, Oyekunle described the decision as an important affirmation of the right of journalists to carry out their professional responsibilities without fear, intimidation or harassment.

He maintained that democratic governance cannot thrive where journalists are attacked for reporting events or where citizens are punished for exercising their lawful rights.

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 expressed gratitude to individuals and organisations that supported him throughout the legal process, including the NUJ FCT Council, Avocats Sans Frontières France, fellow journalists, human rights advocates and Nigerians committed to defending democratic values and press freedom.

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