The court of the Economic Community of West African States
(ECOWAS) has ordered the federal government to pay N60 million to one Sunday
Ayodeji, a victim of police brutality.
In the judgment delivered on July 10, the court held that
the Nigerian government was responsible for the torture of the victim.
The court also ordered the federal government to properly
investigate the human rights violation against Ayodeji.
Ayodeji was shot by a police officer in Kaduna state which
led to the amputation of his leg.
The case was handled on a pro-bono basis by Avocats Sans
Frontieres (ASF), an international human rights organisation, popularly known
as Lawyers without Borders (France).
Further explaining Ayodeji’s ordeal in a statement on
Tuesday, Angela Uzoma-Iwuchukwu, ASF country director in Nigeria, said the
victim’s properties, including a car and N900,000, were also unlawfully
confiscated by the same police officer.
Asides from the N60 million awarded in damages,
Uzoma-Iwuchukwu said the ECOWAS court also ordered the immediate return of the
victim’s confiscated items.
“Avocats Sans
Frontieres France commends the ECOWAS Court for its judgment on this case and
urges the Nigerian government to uphold the directives of the court,”
Uzoma-Iwuchukwu said.
“ASF France is also delighted that this judgment is coming
on the heels of the commemoration of the 2023 International Day in Support of
Victims of Torture, which reemphasizes the need for collaborative efforts
amongst all stakeholders of the criminal justice system to establish a
zero-tolerance culture to torture in Nigeria.
“We are delighted that despite all challenges and legal
hurdles faced by our legal team in pursuit of justice in this case, justice was
served.
“We are optimistic that this will serve as a deterrent
against the systemic use of torture in Nigeria.
“The amount awarded
by the court will not restore our client who has been permanently disabled by
torture, but it has given hope to not just Ayodeji but other torture survivors
that justice is possible even against powerful governments and institutions.
“Ending torture is a global challenge, we must all continue
to work together to create a zero-tolerance culture to torture in Nigeria.”
Reacting to the court verdict, Ayodeji said: “My joy knows
no bounds and I feel fulfilled and relieved from the inner pain that I have
carried for so long due to the great injustice done to me which led to the loss
of my leg.
“I am very grateful to Avocats Sans Frontieres France who
provided a platform for me to obtain redress. I am also happy for what this
judgment means for me and other victims of torture in Nigeria.”
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