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ECOWAS Court Gives Judgment on Press Council Inconsistency with Human Rights Law

Published

2 years ago

November 27, 2023

Ochuwa Ibrahim

ECOWAS Court Gives Judgment on Press Council Inconsistency with Human Rights Law

By: Michael Mike

The ECOWAS Court of Justice has delivered its judgment in a case brought by two Nigerian journalists alleging the Nigerian Press Council Act of 1992 was discriminatory and violated their right to freedom of expression.

In its judgment delivered by Hon Justice Dupe Atoki, Judge Rapporteur, the Court declared that Sections 19 (1)(a), 27 and 37 of the Nigerian Press Council (NPC) Act failed to recognize public interest media including rights of online and citizen journalists thereby violating Article 9 (1) of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR), and Article 8 (1) and 10 (2) of the Declaration of Principles on Freedom of Expression in Africa.

The Court therefore ordered the government of Nigeria to amend these contested Sections to align with international practices that promote free, pluralistic and professional journalism. It however dismissed other claims which were not substantiated.

The case with suit number ECW/CCJ/APP/31/21 was filed on 14 June 2021 by lawyers representing the Applicants – Mr Isaac Olamikan and Mrs Edoghogho Ugberease – online and citizen journalists who practise journalism for the promotion of freedom of expression, opinion, and access to information.

In the application, they claimed that Sections 19(1)a, 27 and 37 of the Nigeria Press Council Act of 1992 requiring journalists to be at least 18 years and accredited by the NPC, 25 years to be an editor with working experience in reputable media organization or news agency and registered with the Nigeria Union of Journalists, discriminated against them.

The Applicants’ lawyers led by Mr President Aigbokhan argued that these Sections failed to recognise public interest media such as the rights of online and citizen journalists and were therefore discriminatory and violated their right to freedom of expression as guaranteed under Articles 2 and 9(1) of the ACHPR, Article 19 of the Universal Declaration on Human Rights (UDHR), Articles 2, 10 and 19 of the International Convention on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) and Article 8 (1) and 10 (2) of the Declaration of Principles on Freedom of Expression in Africa; and breached the State’s obligation under the ECOWAS Treaty among other cited texts.

“For example, Section 37 of the Press Council Act, puts the minimum age to practice journalism as 18 years of age, while to be qualified as an editor, requires a minimum of 25 years of age. Sections 19(a) and 27 of the Act imposes educational qualifications and compulsory courses of attendance and training before a person can be recognized and allowed to practice as a journalist,” the judgment stated.

They also submitted that they were arrested separately at different locations while investigating and gathering information for their work, and that their arrest and detention were unlawful and violated their rights.

The Applicants asked the Court to order the Respondent to amend the contested Sections of the NPC Act to align with international practice and pay 1,000,000 (one million) USD as damages.

On their part, the Respondent’s lawyers Mrs Maimuna Lami Shiru and Mrs B.J. Oladipo told the Court that ‘journalism is a sensitive profession requiring mastery as well as regulation to prevent negative effect, adding that rights to information and freedom of expression are not absolute.’

The Respondent denied arresting and detaining the Applicants unlawfully, stating that the first Applicant was arrested because his action had national security implications while the second Applicant operated illegally.

They added that, in the same way as other professional bodies, there were criteria for registration and membership as journalists, and urged the Court to dismiss the case describing it as frivolous, baseless and an abuse of court process.
In its analysis, the Court determined if the matter was within its mandate, if it was admissible and if the Sections of the NPC Act were discriminatory and violated the right to freedom of expression of the Applicants. Relying on its rules of procedure and jurisprudence, the Court held the matter was within its jurisdiction and the case was admissible.

On the alleged violation of Article 2 of ACHPR the Court noted that the Applicants did not substantiate on how they were treated differently in an identical or similar situation. Consequently, it held that their rights to freedom from discrimination under Article 2 of ACHPR has not been violated.

While on the alleged violation of Article 9 (freedom of expression), the Court noted that Section 19(1) and Section 27 of the Press Act imposing minimum educational requirement, age limit and registration, were restrictive and interfered with the right to freedom of expression, and therefore violated Article 9 (2).

In reaching its decision, the Court also noted the impact of technology in the evolving media space with the advent of citizen journalists, influencers and content creators who share news, commentary, and analysis on social issues. Though not qualified in traditional sense, they contributed to shaping public opinion.

It drew inspiration from young activists notably Malala Yousafzai and Greta Thunberg who in their teens integrated online media in their advocacy and have attained world recognition through a free and unrestricted opportunity to gather information and express opinion.

Regarding the Applicants’ claim of unlawful arrest and detention, the Court noted that the Applicants did not prove their arrest was unlawful. Consequently, the Court dismissed their claims of unlawful arrest and request for compensation.

Both parties were ordered to bear their costs of litigation.

Also on the bench were Hon Justices Edward Amoako Asante (presiding) and Sengu M. Koroma (Member).

ECOWAS Court Gives Judgment on Press Council Inconsistency with Human Rights Law

News

After Boko Haram’s destructions, Governor Buni built modern markets across Yobe

Published

15 hours ago

January 31, 2026

Ochuwa Ibrahim

After Boko Haram’s destructions, Governor Buni built modern markets across Yobe

By: Yahaya Wakili

Yobe State is one of the states whose economic activities were destroyed and suffered from the Boko Haram insurgency in the northeastern part of Nigeria, and in its effort to expand the economic activities in the state and also to provide infrastructure facilities to the citizens of the state after recovery from the Boko Haram insurgency. His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Yobe State, Hon. Mai Mala Buni, has built modern markets across the state in order to boost the economy and businesses in the state. The Commissioner of Home Affairs and Information, Hon. Abdullahi Bego, said there are two types of markets that His Excellency built. The first one is the ultramodern markets: one in Potiskum, one in Damaturu, the state capital, one in Geidam, one in Gashu’a, and another one in Nguru town. The major towns of Yobe State have one each of these markets. And also, we have the modern markets: one in Yunusari, one in Machina, one in Ngalda, and one in Buni Yadi, an ongoing project.

The commissioner of Housing and Rural Development, Architect Ahmed Buba, said His Excellency has constructed 9 modern markets across the state; we have 5 ultramodern markets completed with one ongoing, making 6; and also we have 4 modern markets, and Potiskum ultramodern markets have 500 shops, 192 stalls, and 12 warehouses large enough to accommodate about 12 trucks each, and also they have about 3 kilometers of roads and drainages as well as an administration block and praying ground. The markets are opening up economic activities in Yobe State, and with these markets the economy of Yobe is now building up, and then with the modern markets the businesses are fully on course.

Bego said, “Yobe State Woven and Polythene Company has been an existing company for a long time, and His Excellency Governor Mai Mala Buni is retrofitting and rehabilitating it and making it modern and new.” He starts with the structure, renovating and improving the structure and equipment that are already imported; we are just waiting for the arrival. When they come, they will be installed, and work will start. We produce a lot of grains in Yobe as an agrarian state, so we don’t need to buy all the sacks, all the woven sacks, and all the polythene bags that were used for those grains and other things like that. So this company has existed for a long time but is comatose and dormant. His Excellency has decided to breathe a new spirit into it, retrofitting it, reconstructing it, rebuilding it literally, and then providing equipment. As you can see, the number of people is very few in terms of job creation and in terms of economic activities that will be spanned around this area.

The Mega Motor Park: The former motor park, due to the expansion of that place. His Excellency directed the ministry of housing to identify a site far away from the city; from that roundabout we have a bypass, and henceforth motor vehicles do not pass through Damaturu. They can stop here, and from here other vehicles can transport them to the city center. The commissioner of Housing and Rural Development, Architect Ahmed Buba, said, “This is Damaturu Mega Motor Park, with a capacity of about 500 vehicles. We have a drivers’ lodge, which is going to accommodate up to 150 drivers at a time; we have a terminal building; we have a police station outpost; and we have the clinic, restaurant, and quite a few more.”

Engr. Muhammed Abba Hassan, General Coordinator for the project, said, “This project is awarded to Samsun Nigeria Ltd by the Yobe state government. We started this project about 6 months ago. At this level, we have reached almost over 80 percent, and we expect to complete this project within the stipulated contract agreement. Inshallah, by the end of March, this project will be fully completed.” This Damaturu Mega Motor Park is one of the mega motor parks of its type in Nigeria. We have almost every facility here. We have enough accommodation for travelers and accommodation also for drivers. We have a shop complex, we have a fire service, and we have a comprehensive health clinic that can accommodate not only the passengers but also the environment of this town. We can handle it as far as concern goes; we delivered this project within the stipulated period of time.

Township Stadium in Buni Yadi: This township stadium here in Buni Yadi is transforming sport, which will transform sport in Yobe State. The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Youth and Sport, Alhaji Gidado Abubakar, said this project was awarded at the end of September last year to Damuli Investment Company Ltd. for the award of contract for the construction of a mini stadium in Buni Yadi. This is a post-insurgency project being awarded by the state government through the window of the Ministry of Youth, Sport, and Community Development. We signed a 6-month mandate giving the contractor the handing over of the project to the ministry for onward utilization, and about 65% of the project has been achieved. The capacity of the mini stadium is about 5,000 to 6,000 pupils; we have a multipurpose fit, we have badminton, basketball, and the other games, and we have about 78 different games in this project, and it is 250 meters by 200 meters, and 75 thousand square meters.

After Boko Haram’s destructions, Governor Buni built modern markets across Yobe

News

U.S. and Nigeria Forge Stronger Trade Ties Through New Investment Partnership

Published

15 hours ago

January 31, 2026

Ochuwa Ibrahim

U.S. and Nigeria Forge Stronger Trade Ties Through New Investment Partnership

By: Michael Mike

The United States and Nigeria have taken a significant step to deepen commercial relations with the U.S.-Nigeria Commercial and Investment Partnership (CIP), a five-year initiative aimed at boosting trade, investment, and private sector growth.

The partnership was highlighted at a ministerial meeting in Lagos co-chaired by U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary for the U.S. Commercial Service Bradley McKinney and Nigeria’s Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole. The meeting brought together government officials and private sector leaders to review proposed reforms from the CIP Working Groups on Agriculture, Digital Economy, and Infrastructure.

The Working Groups presented strategies intended to improve the business environment, ease trade barriers, and attract investment. McKinney described the proposals as practical measures that could strengthen bilateral trade and create new economic opportunities for both nations.

Oduwole emphasized Nigeria’s commitment to expanding non-oil exports and making local businesses more competitive in global markets. “We are focused on creating sustainable and inclusive opportunities for Nigerian companies to access U.S. markets and beyond,” she said, noting ongoing efforts to implement reforms that make Nigeria’s economy more predictable and investment-friendly.

Senior officials from both countries attended the session, including U.S. Mission Chargé d’Affaires Keith Heffern and Nigeria’s Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, Ambassador Nura Rimi.

The partnership is expected to facilitate continued consultations on trade and investment, encourage two-way investment flows, and support economic growth on both sides of the Atlantic.

In 2024, bilateral trade in goods and services between Nigeria and the United States reached nearly $13 billion. U.S. foreign direct investment in Nigeria also rose to $7.9 billion, reflecting a 25 percent increase from the previous year, making the U.S. one of Nigeria’s top foreign investors.

U.S. and Nigeria Forge Stronger Trade Ties Through New Investment Partnership

News

Six killed, others injured, abducted in bandit attack on Tsafe community

Published

16 hours ago

January 31, 2026

Ochuwa Ibrahim

Six killed, others injured, abducted in bandit attack on Tsafe community

By: Zagazola Makama

At least six persons were killed and several others injured when armed bandits attacked Kanbiri village via Kwaren Ganuwa in Tsafe Local Government Area of Zamfara on Thursday afternoon.

Residents said the assailants stormed the community at about 2:50 p.m., shooting sporadically and causing panic among villagers.

“They shot many people. Six were confirmed dead on the spot, while others sustained gunshot injuries,” a local source said.

The attackers were also reported to have abducted an unspecified number of residents and taken them to an unknown destination.

Troops and other responders have since moved into the area to evacuate the corpses for burial and to begin efforts to locate and rescue the abducted victims.

Kanbiri and surrounding communities in Tsafe LGA have experienced repeated attacks in recent months, as bandit groups continue to target rural settlements in Zamfara.

Six killed, others injured, abducted in bandit attack on Tsafe community