The ECOWAS Court has dismissed a suit filed by Chukwuemeka Edeh, a Nigerian, seeking N5 million in damages over alleged torture and unlawful detention by the defunct Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) of the Nigerian Police Force.
Edeh had approached the regional court, alleging physical abuse by SARS operatives, including beatings, tear gas sprayed into his eyes, and a forced confession. He claimed these acts violated his fundamental human rights under the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and other international agreements to which Nigeria is a signatory.
The petitioner requested enforcement of his rights and a default judgment against the Nigerian government for failing to defend the case.
Delivering the judgment, the three-member panel, led by Justice Ricardo Gonçalves, with Justices Edward Asante and Dupe Atoki, ruled against Edeh. Justice Asante, reading the verdict, stated that while the court had jurisdiction over the matter and the application was procedurally admissible, the claims lacked sufficient evidence to justify a default judgment.
The court noted that despite the absence of a defense from the Nigerian government, the petitioner failed to substantiate his allegations with adequate proof.
The reports gathered that the ruling marks a significant outcome in a case highlighting alleged police brutality during SARS operations, which had drawn widespread condemnation before the unit’s dissolution.
