Breaking: ECOWAS Court Slams Nigerian Government with N30million Fine for Disregarding Human Rights

ECOWAS Court Orders Nigerian Government to Pay N30 Million to Glory Okolie Over Illegal Detention

The ECOWAS Community Court of Justice in Abuja has ruled against the Nigerian government, awarding N30 million in damages to Glory Okolie, who was illegally detained for nine months by the Police Intelligence Response Team (IRT) in 2021.

The judgment, delivered on Thursday, concluded that the prolonged detention of Okolie, who was 22 at the time, violated multiple legal statutes, including Nigeria’s constitution, international treaties, and human rights frameworks.

Glory Okolie was arrested on June 17, 2021, by officers of the IRT and held in detention for an alarming 248 days, until her release on March 23, 2022. During her detention, she was allegedly subjected to inhumane treatment and forced to work as a maid for the officers.

Human rights lawyer Samuel Ihensekhien, representing Okolie and supported by One Love Foundation, filed a suit at the ECOWAS Court, demanding N100 billion in damages for the violation of her fundamental human rights.

During the hearings, the Nigerian government admitted to detaining Okolie beyond the lawful 90-day period but failed to provide any legal justification. The government’s defense was further weakened by procedural delays, including its refusal to file court documents on time.

In a previous ruling in 2022, the ECOWAS Court had fined the Nigerian government N1 million for delaying the case and demonstrating a lack of regard for the judicial process.

After reviewing arguments from both parties, the ECOWAS Court determined that the Nigerian government had breached Okolie’s rights. The court awarded N30 million as reparations for the illegal detention and the trauma endured by the victim.

Speaking after the judgment, Samuel Ihensekhien commended the court for delivering justice, emphasizing that the ruling serves as a reminder to law enforcement agencies to uphold the rule of law.

“This judgment underscores the importance of protecting citizens’ fundamental rights. It also sends a strong message against impunity and abuse of power,” Ihensekhien stated.

The case has drawn attention to the operations of the IRT and the broader issues of police brutality and human rights violations in Nigeria. Human rights organizations have lauded the ECOWAS Court’s judgment, urging the Nigerian government to implement the ruling promptly and ensure systemic reforms within its security agencies.

This judgment adds to growing calls for accountability in Nigeria, particularly regarding the treatment of detainees and the adherence of law enforcement to constitutional provisions.