Posted by Sunday Ayodeji, a victim of police violence, has been awarded N60 million by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) court.
The court ruled on July 10 that the victim’s torture was the fault of the Federal Government (FG).
The court also ordered the FG to conduct a thorough investigation into Ayodeji’s human rights violations.
According to reports, Ayodeji was shot by a police officer in Kaduna state, resulting in the amputation of his limb.
Avocats Sans Frontières (ASF), an international human rights organization generally known as Lawyers Without Borders (France), handled the pro bono case.
Ayodeji’s story was further recounted by Angela Uzoma-Iwuchukwu, ASF national director in Nigeria, in a statement on Tuesday, claiming the victim’s belongings, including a car and N900,000, were wrongfully confiscated by the same police officer.
In addition to the N60 million in damages awarded, Uzoma-Iwuchukwu stated that the ECOWAS court ordered the immediate restitution of the victim’s confiscated belongings.
“Avocats Sans Frontières France commends the ECOWAS Court for its decision in this case and urges the Nigerian government to follow the court’s directives.”
“ASF France is also pleased that this judgment comes so soon after the commemoration of the 2023 International Day in Support of Victims of Torture, which reemphasizes the importance of collaborative efforts amongst all stakeholders in the criminal justice system to establish a zero-tolerance culture toward torture in Nigeria.”
“We are overjoyed that justice was served in this case, despite all of the challenges and legal hurdles faced by our legal team.”
“We are hopeful that this will serve as a deterrent to the widespread use of torture in Nigeria.”
“While the amount awarded by the court will not restore our client, who has been permanently disabled by torture, it has given hope to not only Ayodeji, but to other torture survivors, that justice is possible even when dealing with powerful governments and institutions.”
“Ending torture is a global challenge, and we must all continue to work together to create a zero-tolerance culture in Nigeria,” Uzoma-Iwuchukwu added.
“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 resulted in the loss of my leg,” Ayodeji said in response to the court’s decision.
“I am extremely grateful to Avocats Sans Frontières France for providing me with a platform to seek redress.” I am also pleased with what this ruling signifies for me and other torture victims in Nigeria.”