By Patrick Wemambu
When Martin Luther King Jr wrote from the Birmingham jail April 16 1963 asserting that ‘justice too long delayed is justice denied,’ – he could not have been more spot on. This implies that delay itself is injustice, which brings one to the crux of this essay.
June 22, 2026, press freedom in Nigeria received a major judicial boost after the ECOWAS Community Court of Justice held the Federal Republic of Nigeria liable for attacking a journalist, Jide Oyekunle of the Independent newspaper two years back. The FG was ordered to pay ₦10,000,000 in damages to the esteemed member of the fourth estate of the realm.
In its ruling, the ECOWAS Court agreed with counsel to the applicant, Collins I. Maidoh-Anene, that the detention of the journalist and confiscation of his mobile phone were excessive, unjustified, and contrary to international law.
The regional Court had found that Nigeria’s actions suppressed Oyekunle’s live coverage, breaching his right to freedom of expression under Article 9 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.
The Court also ruled that the assault and detention by security operatives violated his rights to personal liberty, his right to human dignity and freedom from degrading treatment under Articles 6 and 5. While the temporary seizure of his phone violated his right to property under Article 14, the judges further ruled that the actions of Nigeria’s security personnel failed the test of necessity under international law, making their conduct excessive and unlawful.
It is pertinent to note that the said landmark ruling in Suit No. ECW/CCJ/APP/29/25 was secured by Avocats Sans Frontières France (Lawyers Without Borders France) under its eRIGHTS project supported by the European Union, which defends human rights in the digital space.
Reacting to the judgment, Country Director of Avocats Sans Frontières France, Angela Uwandu Uzoma-Iwuchukwu, said the ruling reinforces protections for journalists operating in an increasingly digital media environment.
She declared that the judgement sends a clear message that a journalist’s digital tools are extensions of the modern press and newsroom, and their arbitrary confiscation by security forces is a direct assault on the public’s right to know.
“The Court’s pronouncement adds to the growing jurisprudence from the regional court protecting journalists and human rights defenders who document protests and public interest events.
“ASF France will continue to monitor compliance with the judgment and provide legal aid to journalists facing similar violations.
“For Avocats Sans Frontières France and the eRIGHTS project partners, this ruling strengthens legal protections for journalism in the digital age. It shields reporters from tech-based censorship and intimidation, puts security agencies on notice that targeting media practitioners during protests will attract accountability, and reaffirms the ECOWAS Court as a vital shield for civic space in the region,” Uzoma-Iwuchukwu assured.
On its part, the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ described the victory of Oyekunle as a major achievement for journalism. While commending the efforts of Avocats Sans Frontières France (ASF France) for providing legal support and standing with the journalist throughout the legal process – the union expressed optimism that the ruling will represent an important step towards protecting journalists and defending media freedom in Nigeria.
Describing the verdict as a victory not only for himself but also for journalists, media workers, and citizens who believe in democratic freedoms and accountability, Oyekunle enthused: “I sincerely appreciate each and every one of you for your kind words, congratulatory messages, support, and efforts in sharing and publishing the news of my victory at the ECOWAS Court in your various platforms.”
“Your encouragement and commitment mean a lot to me. This achievement is not just a personal victory but also a reflection of the collective strength of our profession and the continuous struggle for press freedom, justice, and the protection of journalists’ rights. Thank you for standing with me, amplifying the story, and celebrating this milestone. I am deeply grateful for your solidarity and friendship.”
Notwithstanding it is widely viewed as a major victory for press freedom, digital rights, and accountability, the ECOWAS Court judgement must reinforce the protections available to gentlemen of the press covering protests and matters of public interest in Nigeria. For the Nigerian government, it would do well to comply with the ECOWAS Court judgment by paying the N10 million damages awarded to Oyekunle without delay.
Needless to stress that prompt compliance with the ruling would demonstrate respect for the rule of law and reinforce Nigeria’s commitment to upholding human rights and press freedom.
Going down the memory boulevard Thursday August 1, 2024 at the Eagle Square, Abuja – Jide Oyekunle, then Chairman, Nigeria Union of Journalists FCT Correspondents’ Chapel, had been arrested, physically assaulted and unlawfully detained by the FCT Police Command while covering the first day of the nation-wide protest tagged #EndBadGovernance in Abuja. His mobile phone was also seized.
Speaking of his ordeal, Oyekunle had told reporters then; “We were coming from the (MKO Abiola) National Stadium upon getting to the Eagle Square, the Police came after journalists… The FCT Police Commissioner, Benneth Igwe, personally collected my mobile phone. I didn’t commit any crime; I was only covering the protests…I don’t know why Police are trying to suppress Press Freedom while we are carrying out our constitutional duties. This is unfair.”
Meanwhile, a situation room report by the International Press Council (IPC) way back then had also criticized the reported attacks on journalists covering the opening day nation-wide protest tagged #EndBadGovernance. The organization described the ordeals of Messrs Yakubu Mohammed of the Premium Times, Jide Oyekunle of Daily Independent and Mary Adeboye of News Central Television in Abuja as unfortunate.
Earlier, at the National Stadium on the first day of the said protest, the struggle had witnessed two groups with pro-government individuals carrying placards reading “No Protests” arriving at the venue in white-colored Coaster buses.
Even while acknowledging hardships in the country, the leader of the group was quoted as saying he was opposed to the August 1 show-down. Elsewhere within the Federal Capital Territory, violence was witnessed at Karu, some 46-minute drive from the City Center where protesters set up bonfires on the roads.
This is in addition to the Mararaba-Keffi axis, boundary between FCT and Nasarawa where security forces fired teargas canisters to disperse rampaging protesters. Similarly, pockets of violence were recorded at the Dutse-Kubwa axis with security agencies dispersing protesters for barricading the Airport-Gwagwalada highway. On a sad note, however, unconfirmed reports say some violent protesters were shot dead at Suleja, some 52 kilometres to Abuja.
However, in his reaction to the violence recorded in parts of the federal capital territory, then Force PRO, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, in an interview with a television station monitored in Abuja said those who went to the Eagle Square that fateful day should not be regarded as protesters.
Hear him; “There’s difference between protesters and violent-trigger people… We were not expected to have protesters at Eagle Square in the first instance…
“Those that assembled at the Eagle Square were there for ulterior motives…For people to block highways; I don’t think the organizers and those who have come out genuinely to protest would do that kind of a thing. So, these people are those who we said have gathered intelligence that they would likely hijack the protest.”
