By
Gloria Josiah
The ECOWAS Community Court of Justice has awarded ₦10 million in general damages against the Federal Republic of Nigeria for the physical assault, unlawful detention, and confiscation of property belonging to Mr. Jide Oyekunle, a journalist with Independent Newspaper.
The landmark decision in Suit No. ECW/CCJ/APP/29/25 was obtained by Avocats Sans Frontières France on June 22, 2026, under its eRIGHTS project. The project, supported by the European Union, focuses on protecting human rights in the digital space.
Oyekunle, former Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Federal Capital Territory Correspondents’ Chapel, and current Secretary of the NUJ FCT Council, was physically attacked and illegally detained. His camera was destroyed, and his mobile phone was confiscated by armed police officers acting on the orders of former FCT Commissioner of Police Benneth Igweh at Eagle Square, Abuja, on August 1, 2024, while he was covering the #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria protests.
The Court agreed with the applicant’s lawyer, Collins I. Maidoh-Anene, Esq., that the Nigerian police’s detention of the journalist and seizure of his phone were disproportionate, unjustified, and in breach of international law.
The ECOWAS Court then held the Federal Republic of Nigeria liable for violating the applicant’s rights to freedom of expression, personal liberty, human dignity, and property under the African Charter.
Consequently, the Court directed the Nigerian government to pay Mr. Oyekunle ₦10 million in general damages.
The Court determined that Nigeria’s actions disrupted his live reporting, thereby violating his right to freedom of expression under Article 9 of the African Charter.
It also ruled that the assault and detention infringed his rights to personal liberty, human dignity, and protection from degrading treatment under Articles 6 and 5, while the temporary confiscation of his phone breached his right to property under Article 14.
The Court further held that Nigeria’s justification did not meet the requirement of necessity under international law, rendering the actions of the security forces excessive and unlawful.
In a statement issued on Tuesday and signed by Angela Uwandu Uzoma-Iwuchukwu, Country Director of Avocats Sans Frontières France, the judgment makes it clear that a journalist’s digital equipment are extensions of the modern press and newsroom. Their arbitrary seizure by security forces amounts to a direct attack on the public’s right to information.
According to Angela, “The Court’s decision contributes to the growing body of case law from the regional court protecting journalists and human rights defenders who document protests and events of public interest.
“ASF France will continue to monitor compliance with the judgment and provide legal assistance to journalists who suffer similar violations.
“For Avocats Sans Frontières France and the eRIGHTS project partners, this ruling strengthens legal safeguards for journalism in the digital era. It protects reporters from technology-driven censorship and intimidation, warns security agencies that targeting media professionals during protests will lead to accountability, and reaffirms the ECOWAS Court as a crucial defender of civic space in the region.”
Mr. Jide Oyekunle, reacting to the landmark judgment, described it as a strong confirmation that journalists have the right to perform their constitutional duties without intimidation, harassment, or attack.
He stated that democracy cannot flourish where journalists are assaulted for reporting events or where citizens are punished for exercising their lawful rights.
He said: “The ECOWAS Court’s decision is not just about me; it concerns every journalist, media professional, 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 about good governance, accountability, and transparency, then press freedom must not be limited, denied, or restricted.”
Oyekunle expressed appreciation to everyone who supported him throughout the process, including the Nigeria Union of Journalists FCT Council, Avocats Sans Frontières France, fellow journalists, rights advocates, and all Nigerians who continue to uphold press freedom and democratic values.
