A coalition of women groups has taken legal action at the Federal High Court in Abuja, seeking justice after being violently dispersed by security forces during a peaceful protest against the rising cost of living in Nigeria. The women, who were tear-gassed and forcibly removed from the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja, are now seeking redress for the violation of their fundamental human rights.
The plaintiffs, representing themselves and 500 other women who participated in the protest, include prominent organizations and individuals such as the Women Advocates Research and Documentation Centre (WARDC), Enough Is Enough (EiE) GTE/Ltd, Abiola Akiyode-Afolabi, and Ene Obi. Also listed as plaintiffs are Yemi Adamolekun, Sheilah Ibrahim Audu, Caroline Ene Oshaba, and Emmanuela Azu, all of whom have been vocal advocates for social justice and human rights in Nigeria.
The incident occurred on August 9, 2024, during a peaceful demonstration aimed at drawing attention to the economic hardships faced by millions of Nigerians due to rising inflation, fuel price hikes, and the soaring cost of basic necessities. The 500 women had obtained a court order allowing them to peacefully protest within the confines of the Moshood Abiola Stadium. However, in direct contravention of this legal order, police officers, acting under the command of the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, used excessive force to disperse the protesters.
Eyewitnesses reported that the women were subjected to brutal treatment, including physical harassment and the indiscriminate firing of tear gas. Some of the women reportedly fell and sustained injuries while trying to flee the chaotic scene. The aggressive actions of the police have sparked widespread condemnation from civil society groups and human rights advocates.
In response, the coalition of women has filed a lawsuit against the IGP, Kayode Egbetokun, and the Attorney-General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), who are listed as the first and second defendants, respectively. The suit, with reference number FHC/ABJ/CS/1292/2024, was filed by renowned human rights lawyer, Chino Edmund Obiagwu (SAN), on behalf of the plaintiffs.
The women are demanding N500 million in damages for what they describe as a gross violation of their constitutional rights, including their right to human dignity, freedom from torture, and protection from inhumane and degrading treatment. The plaintiffs argue that the police actions not only violated their right to peaceful assembly but also subjected them to unnecessary violence and trauma.
According to Abiola Akiyode-Afolabi, one of the plaintiffs and a leading figure in the protest, “We had every legal right to be there. The court granted us the permission to protest peacefully within a designated area, yet we were met with force and brutality. This is a clear violation of our rights, and we will not be silenced.”
Ene Obi, another key plaintiff, echoed these sentiments, calling the police actions “an affront to democracy” and emphasizing the need for accountability. “Our protest was about the unbearable cost of living that is affecting women and children across the country. Instead of engaging with us, the authorities chose to attack us. This cannot be allowed to stand,” she stated.
The plaintiffs hope that their legal action will not only secure compensation for the harm they suffered but also send a strong message to the Nigerian authorities about the need to respect citizens’ rights to peaceful protest and freedom of expression.
