News
ECOWAS Court dismisses Nigeria’s objection to death row inmate’s trial
The ECOWAS Court has dismissed Nigeria’s preliminary objection to the court’s jurisdiction to determine a human rights violation case involving a Nigerian man on death row for 30 years.
Ogueri is a 72-year-old inmate in a Nigerian maximum-security prison.
Delivering ruling on Thursday in Abuja, Justice Edward Asante, dismissed all the preliminary objections raised by Nigeria challenging the court’s jurisdiction to entertain the case involving Ogueri.
The court held that it had jurisdiction over the matter, noting that the case raised allegations of human rights violations, which fall under its purview according to Article 9(4) of the Court’s Protocol.
It also rejected Nigeria’s submission that the case was statute-barred.
The court held that the three-year time limitation spelled out in Article 9(3) of the Court’s Protocol applied only to cases of extra-contractual liability involving the ECOWAS Community itself, not human rights claims against Member States.
It further held that, although it was not an appellate court to review national courts’ decisions, the court had jurisdiction to determine whether the alleged ill-treatment of Ogueri while in prison breached Nigeria’s international obligations under the African Charter.
The court, however, ruled that the two NGOs, who filed the case, Centre for Peace and Conflict Management in Africa and Rethink Africa Foundation, lacked the legal capacity to bring the case before it.
It explained that the organisations both failed to demonstrate sufficient connection or representative authority to file it.
The court therefore struck them off the case, leaving Ogueri as the sole Applicant.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the ruling now paves the way for the court to proceed to the hearing of the substantive suit.
The case marked: ECW/CCJ/APP/13/21 was brought by two NlGOs, the Incorporated Trustees of Centre for Peace and Conflict Management in Africa, and Rethink Africa Foundation, on behalf of Ogueri.
The two NGOs who described themselves as the first Applicants in the case, claimed that Ogueri, the second Applicant’s prolonged incarceration under inhuman and degrading conditions had caused his health to significantly deteriorate.
They sought the immediate release of Ogueri who hav spent nearly 30 years on death row, and the payment of a 55-million-naira compensation to him.
They relied on the provisions of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.
They alleged that Mr. Ogueri had been subjected to extreme mental torture and degrading treatment in violation of his rights under the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.
On their part, the Respondent, Federal Republic of Nigeria had however raised several objections arguing that the Court lacked jurisdiction to entertain the case.
Nigeria also contended that the case was inadmissible and statute-barred.
Following. this ruling, the Court will proceed to hear the substantive case concerning Mr Ogueri’s claims of inhuman and degrading treatment in violation of his fundamental rights.
The three-member panel comprised of Justice Ricardo Gonçalves (presiding) and Justice Dupe .Atoki (member).
This Decision marks a significant step in the Community Court of Justice, ECOWAS’ role in upholding human rights standards and addressing alleged human rights violations within its Member States.(NAN)
By Israel Bulus, Kaduna
The Executive Chairman of the Kaduna State Internal Revenue Service (KADIRS), Comrade Jerry Adams, has commended the growing commitment of political leaders to the development of Southern Kaduna, describing it as unprecedented.
Speaking at the Southern Kaduna Solemn Assembly for Restoration held in Bara, Jema’a Local Government Area, Adams attributed the progress to the inclusive governance style of Governor Uba Sani and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, citing several ongoing developmental projects as evidence of their dedication.
The meeting, convened at the instance of the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, brought together traditional rulers, religious leaders, and political figures to strategize on advancing the region’s growth.
Adams noted that Southern Kaduna is witnessing an unparalleled drive for development under the current leadership, and he urged residents to remain politically united ahead of the 2027 elections to consolidate these gains.
“Since the return of democracy, this is the first time we are seeing leaders who are truly passionate about the development of Southern Kaduna,” he said.
“We must learn to love ourselves so that others can love and respect us.”
Highlighting some of the projects the Governor played a pivotal role, Adams mentioned the military barracks under construction in Samaru Kataf, the Federal Medical Centre in Kafanchan, and the Federal University of Applied Sciences in Kachia.
He emphasized that the governor had to reclaim some state-owned properties to facilitate these developments.
“Southern Kaduna is not there yet, but we are firmly on the path to progress,” Adams asserted.
He further called on the people of the region to unite politically and vote strategically in the 2027 elections, stressing that coordinated political action is crucial for attracting greater development.
“We must bring our votes together and negotiate a better deal for our people, rather than voting indiscriminately, which in the past has led to misfortune for the region,” he added.
News
FG Engages South African Bank Representatives On Environmental Oversight For Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway
By Israel Bulus, Kaduna
The Federal Government through the Minister of Environment, Balarabe Abbas Lawal, has held a high-level meeting with representatives from the Development Bank of South Africa and Deutsche Bank to enhance environmental oversight of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway (LCCH) project.
The delegation, led by Karim Ezzeddine, focused on strategies to ensure environmental sustainability and adherence to international standards, particularly in Phase 1, Section 1 of the highway.
The meeting highlighted the Federal Ministry of Environment’s key regulatory role in safeguarding coastal areas and aligning the project with global environmental best practices.
Minister Lawal described the collaboration as a vital step toward integrating environmental integrity into Nigeria’s infrastructure development.
“This partnership reaffirms our commitment to sustainable development by ensuring the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway meets both transportation needs and coastal environmental preservation,” he said.
The engagement reflects Nigeria’s resolve to meet lender expectations and promote responsible development one that protects natural ecosystems while enhancing economic connectivity across the coastal corridor.
The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Tajudeen Abbas has warned that wealthy individuals are turning political parties into personal investments, undermining the democratic process.
Speaking at a technical workshop on the Political Parties Bill (HB1862) in Abuja, Abbas highlighted the absence of ideological foundations in Nigerian political parties, describing them as vehicles for power control rather than democratic institutions.
The workshop, organised by Yiaga Africa and The Kukah Centre with funding from the European Union, focused on addressing gaps in political party regulation.
Represented by Rt. Ishaya David Lalu, Abbas stressed that democracy cannot thrive without internal democratic processes for candidate selection.
“In Nigeria, political parties are not founded on any principle or ideology,” he said, noting that they often serve as platforms for power-sharing among elites rather than promoting public interest.
The proposed Political Parties Bill aims to enhance transparency and accountability by establishing an independent body to regulate party activities, including campaign financing.
Abbas argued that such measures would curb the influence of “moneybags” who hijack parties or impose candidates during elections.
He cited the United States’ Federal Election Commission and the United Kingdom’s Electoral Commission as models for effective regulation, contrasting them with Nigeria’s current system, where the Independent Electoral Commission (INEC) lacks robust legislative backing to oversee party funding.
In his welcome remarks,Hon. Zakari Dauda Nyampa, Chairman of the House Committee on Political Matters, echoed Abbas’ concerns, noting that unregulated primaries often lead to crises within parties.
“This bill is key to ensuring accountability, transparency, and proper regulation of political party funding,” he said, underscoring its importance for Nigeria’s evolving democracy.
In his goodwill message,Samson Itodo, Executive Director of Yiaga Africa, emphasised Nigeria’s strategic importance in African politics, warning that weak political parties undermine democracy.
“Our parties are built around individuals, not institutions, making them easily captured,” Itodo said, advocating for stronger systems to ensure ideological coherence and public participation.
Also at the event,Alhaji Yusuf Dantalle, National Chairman of the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), called for greater public engagement with the bill, noting that it has yet to be uploaded online for scrutiny.
He stressed the need for stakeholders to thoroughly assess the legislation to ensure it reflects citizens’ aspirations. IPAC plans to convene a General Assembly to discuss the bill and present its position to the National Assembly.
On his part ,Fr. Atta Barkindo, Executive Director of The Kukah Centre, described the bill as a timely opportunity to strengthen internal democracy and institutionalise overdue reforms.
“The quality of political party operations directly impacts the integrity of our elections,” he said.