The Responsibility of the Nigerian Government for Human Rights Violations During the #EndSARS Protests: An Analysis of the ECOWAS Court Ruling

This paper examines the landmark ruling of the ECOWAS Court of Justice in Obianuju Udeh & Others v. Republic of Nigeria, which held the Nigerian government accountable for human rights violations during the 2020 #EndSARS protests. The Court determined that Nigeria breached key provisions of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, including the right not to be subjected to inhuman treatment, the right to security, the freedom of expression and assembly. The analysis delves into the reparations awarded to the victims, emphasizing the significance of state accountability and the imperative for systemic reforms to prevent future violations, thereby advancing the regional framework for human rights protection.