By Ikechukwu Nnochiri
ABUJA — The Court of Justice of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has ordered the Federal Government to pay N10 million in general damages over the physical assault, unlawful arrest, and seizure of property belonging to a journalist, Mr. Jide Oyekunle.
The regional court found FG liable for violating the applicant’s rights to freedom of expression, personal liberty, dignity, and to own property, protected under the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.
In the landmark decision, the court held that the actions of the Nigerian Police Force (NPF) in detaining the journalist and seizing his mobile phone were excessive, unjustified, and in violation of international law.
According to the court, the actions of the security operatives suppressed Oyekunle’s live coverage, thereby breaching his right to freedom of expression under Article 9 of the African Charter.
