TheECOWAS Community Court of Justice has ruled that the Nigerian Government violated the rights of the journalist, Jide Oyekunle, while he was covering the nationwide “End Bad Governance” protests in Abuja, and awarded him damages of N10 million against the government.

Delivered on June 22, 2026, the judgment in Suit No. ECW/CCJ/APP/29/25 followed a case instituted by Avocats Sans Frontières France under its eRIGHTS project, which is supported by the European Union (EU) and focuses on the protection of digital and human rights.

According to the court, Oyekunle, who serves as Chairman of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) chapter of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), was physically assaulted, unlawfully detained, and his mobile phone seized by police officers while providing live coverage of protests at Eagle Square in Abuja in August 2024.

The court held that the actions of the security operatives interfered with the journalist’s ability to report on a matter of public interest and therefore violated his right to freedom of expression as guaranteed under Article 9 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.

The court further ruled that the assault and detention breached Oyekunle’s rights to personal liberty and human dignity under Articles 6 and 5 of the Charter. It also ruled that the temporary confiscation of his mobile phone constituted a violation of his property rights under Article 14.

The judges rejected the Nigerian government’s justification for the actions of the security personnel, holding that the conduct failed to meet the international legal standard of necessity and was therefore excessive and unlawful.

Reacting to the judgment, Country Director of ASF France in Nigeria, Angela Uzoma-Iwuchukwu, described the decision as a significant victory for press freedom and digital rights. According to her, “this judgment sends a clear message that a journalist’s digital tools are extensions of the modern press and newsroom, and their arbitrary confiscation by security forces is a direct assault on the public’s right to know.”

ASF France noted that the ruling strengthens legal protections for journalists and human rights defenders who document protests and public-interest events across West Africa. The organisation added that it would continue monitoring compliance with the judgment while providing legal support to journalists facing similar violations.

Also reacting, Oyekunle called the judgment a significant affirmation that journalists have the right to carry out their constitutional duties without intimidation, harassment, or attack.

He stated that democracy cannot thrive where journalists are attacked for documenting events or where citizens are punished for exercising their lawful rights.

“This judgment sends a clear message that security agencies and government institutions must be held accountable when they violate fundamental rights,” he stated. “If democracy is all about good governance, accountability and transparency, then press freedom should not be curtailed, denied, or restricted.”

Oyekunle also extended appreciation to everyone who stood by him throughout the journey, including his colleagues in the media, ASF France, rights advocates, and all Nigerians who continue to defend press freedom and democratic values.

The judgment is expected to add to the growing body of ECOWAS Court jurisprudence aimed at safeguarding civic space, press freedom and digital rights within the region.