The ECOWAS Court in Abuja has ruled that the Nigerian Federal Government must pay Mr. Sunday Olaniran Ayodeji the amount of N60 million. Mr. Ayodeji had his leg amputated as a result of being shot by a police officer in Kaduna State. The court held the Federal Government responsible for the harm and suffering inflicted on Mr. Ayodeji by the police officer, who acted recklessly. It was also noted that the police unlawfully confiscated Mr. Ayodeji’s car and N900,000.
As a result of the ruling, the regional court has ordered the Federal Government to conduct an internal investigation into the violation of Mr. Ayodeji’s fundamental human rights and prosecute the involved police officer accordingly.
The Avocats Sans Frontieres (ASF) France, also known as Lawyers Without Borders, represented Mr. Ayodeji on a pro-bono basis through the SAFE Project funded by the European Union (EU) and Agence française de Développement (AFD). The ASF commended the ECOWAS Court’s judgment and urged the Federal Government to comply with the orders.
The ASF France Country Director expressed satisfaction with the judgment, particularly as it coincided with the 2023 International Day in Support of Victims of Torture. The organization emphasized the need for collaboration among stakeholders in the criminal justice system to establish a zero-tolerance culture towards torture in Nigeria.
While acknowledging that the awarded amount cannot restore Mr. Ayodeji’s mobility, the ASF highlighted that it has given hope to him and other torture survivors, showing that justice is possible even against powerful governments and institutions.
The ASF France Country Director described the ECOWAS Court’s ruling in Ayodeji’s case as symbolic and mentioned that the organization has been supporting torture victims in Nigeria since 2009. The Federal Government was urged to promptly issue guidelines for implementing the Anti-Torture Act to ensure the swift trial of perpetrators of torture.
Mr. Ayodeji expressed his happiness and relief at the court’s judgment, stating that it brings him joy and a sense of fulfillment. He thanked Avocats Sans Frontieres France for providing him with a platform to seek redress and expressed hope for himself and other victims of torture in Nigeria.
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