In a landmark victory for human rights, the ECOWAS Community Court of Justice has awarded N30 million to 22-year-old Glory Okolie, who was illegally detained by the Police Intelligence Response Team (IRT) for nine months without trial or justification.
Okolie’s ordeal began on June 17, 2021, when she was arrested and held for 248 days, exceeding the 90-day limit stipulated under Nigerian law and international human rights standards. Despite her prolonged detention, the Nigerian government failed to provide a lawful basis for her confinement.
The ECOWAS Court condemned the Nigerian government’s actions, citing a breach of Okolie’s fundamental human rights, including her right to personal liberty and fair treatment under the law. The court also criticized the government’s lack of cooperation and repeated delays in the case.
Okolie’s lawyer, Samuel Ihensekhien, hailed the judgment as a vindication of her rights and a strong message to the Nigerian government that such abuses of power will no longer go unchecked. The One Love Foundation, a non-governmental organization that supported Okolie, had initially sought N100 billion in damages for the violation of her rights.
The ECOWAS Court’s ruling serves as a significant step in securing justice for victims of police brutality and unlawful detention in Nigeria. The court has urged the Nigerian government to take immediate steps to prevent such human rights violations from recurring.