Activist DJ Switch has disclosed that the federal government has been found guilty of infringing on human rights during the #EndSARS protest in October 2020. The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Community Court of Justice has condemned the Nigerian government’s actions, particularly its harsh and excessive use of force at the Lekki tollgate in Lagos, in a scathing ruling on Wednesday.
The court determined that these actions blatantly violated several international human rights standards, including articles 1, 5, 6, 9, 10, and 11 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights. As a result, the court instructed the Nigerian government to compensate each victim, including DJ Switch, with N2 million. The lawsuit was brought by three notable plaintiffs—DJ Switch, Perpetual Kamsi, and Dabiraoluwa Adeyinka—against the oppression they faced. DJ Switch expressed her joy and satisfaction with the ruling on her X platform, deeming the day of the verdict as “one of the best days of my life since the tragic incident.”
Below is her tweet:
“#ENDSARS: After a three-year battle against the Nigerian government at the ECOWAS court, justice was served yesterday! We won!
“Despite skepticism towards any Nigerian service branch, the ECOWAS court stands as the highest court on the continent. Despite jokes about its chairman being Nigeria’s unofficial president, Bola Tinubu, we persisted, hoping and believing in the credibility of the facts and evidence we presented in court.
“For those questioning the delay, legal proceedings often take time, especially when the respondent—here, the Nigerian government—seeks to hinder progress by not showing up for court dates or asking for adjournments. Despite the hurdles, we remained patient and resolute in our pursuit.
“The emotional toll and life-altering experiences we went through cannot be overstated, but with professional support, we managed to cope, and this verdict has had a positive impact.
“My unwavering commitment and the skillful presentation of our experiences and evidence by my legal team are something I deeply appreciate. The judges’ thorough review during the court session and the indictment of the Nigerian government for their actions on October 20, 2020, were pivotal moments and legally vindicate us all. When corruption is eradicated, justice prevails.
“Unless the government impedes compliance with the court’s directives, I can now focus on other endeavors and passions that I hope to share with everyone.
“Doubters can protest all they want! History now officially records who the perpetrators were.”
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