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ECOWAS COURT PRESIDENT RECEIVES CHAIRPERSON OF COMMUNITY AUDIT COMMITTEE
ECOWAS COURT PRESIDENT RECEIVES CHAIRPERSON OF COMMUNITY AUDIT COMMITTEE
By: Michael Mike
The ECOWAS Court President, Justice Edward Amoako Asante has welcomed the Chairperson of the Community Audit Committee, Diane Holo-Sacramento at the ECOWAS Court. The meeting marked the first official engagement between the Court and the Audit Committee, signifying a significant step towards enhanced collaboration and oversight.
Justice Edward Amoako Asante extended a warm welcome to the Audit Committee members, acknowledging the importance of their visit. He introduced the key members of the ECOWAS Court team, including the Vice President, other judges, the Chief Registrar and the Director of Administration and Finance. He expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to discuss various issues with the Audit Committee, emphasising the Court’s commitment to transparency and accountability.
In her address, Diane Holo-Sacramento, Chairperson of the Audit Committee, expressed her appreciation for the warm reception. She introduced the Audit Committee, which comprised members from Senegal, Benin, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, and Guinea Bissau. Holo-Sacramento highlighted the Committee’s role in overseeing financial control, internal controls, and risk assessment within ECOWAS institutions. Since their mandate began in November 2022, the committee has been actively engaging with all ECOWAS institutions to ensure compliance with established procedures and processes, she noted.
Justice Asante provided an overview of the Court’s initiatives aimed at improving its operations. He mentioned the Electronic Case Management System (ECMS) set to launch in late September, designed to reduce costs for lawyers and their clients. Additionally, the Court conducts training programs for lawyers and government agencies to enhance their understanding of the Court’s procedures, he mentioned. Despite these efforts, Justice Asante noted the challenges faced by the Court, particularly in terms of staffing and resource limitations. He called for increased support to address these issues and ensure the effective functioning of the Court.
The Chairperson of the Audit Committee commended the ECOWAS Court for its efforts in complying with audit conditions and maintaining high standards. She acknowledged the Court’s exemplary performance compared to other institutions and encouraged continued adherence to audit recommendations to further strengthen their operations.
Justice Asante expressed his gratitude for the commendation and reaffirmed the Court’s commitment to following audit guidelines. He emphasised the importance of collaboration and guidance in achieving the shared goal of serving the community effectively.
ECOWAS COURT PRESIDENT RECEIVES CHAIRPERSON OF COMMUNITY AUDIT COMMITTEE
SOJA Condemns Alleged Abduction of Teachers, Students in Oyo, Demands Urgent Rescue Efforts
By: Michael Mike
A human rights organisation, Speak Out for Justice Advocacy Ltd./Gte. (SOJA), has condemned the reported abduction of teachers and students in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, describing the incident and the alleged killing of a teacher, Mr. Michael Oyedokun, as “a case too many.”
In a statement issued on Thursday, the group expressed deep concern over reports that armed attackers abducted teachers and students from schools within the council area around May 15, 2026, while Mr. Oyedokun, a Mathematics teacher at Community High School, Ahoro-Esiele, was reportedly killed during the incident.
The organisation said several victims were still believed to be in captivity awaiting rescue.
SOJA, led by its Founder and Executive Director, Hameed Ajibola Jimoh, commiserated with the affected families and communities, warning that repeated attacks on schools and civilians across parts of the country were becoming alarming.
According to the advocacy group, the incident, if confirmed, raises serious constitutional and human rights concerns under both Nigerian law and international treaties to which Nigeria is a signatory.
Citing Section 14(2)(b) of the 1999 Constitution, SOJA stressed that “the security and welfare of the people shall be the primary purpose of government,” while Sections 33, 34 and 35 guarantee the rights to life, dignity and personal liberty.
The group also referenced Nigeria’s obligations under several international and regional legal frameworks, including the United Nations-backed International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC), the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR), and the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child (ACRWC).
SOJA argued that the obligations imposed by these instruments go beyond symbolic commitments, requiring authorities to take practical and preventive steps to protect lives, especially those of vulnerable groups such as school children and teachers.
“The implication of these obligations in the present circumstances is that government responsibility extends beyond merely reacting after tragic events occur,” the statement said.
The organisation acknowledged reports that security agencies had intensified rescue operations and investigations, but maintained that recurring attacks on schools demanded more decisive and proactive measures.
“This is a case too many,” the statement added.
SOJA therefore called for the immediate intensification of lawful rescue efforts for those still in captivity, a thorough investigation into the incident, prosecution of perpetrators, strengthened security around schools and vulnerable communities, and adequate support for affected victims and families.
The group further urged the government to undertake a comprehensive review of strategies aimed at preventing future attacks on educational institutions.
“Teachers should not become targets. Schools should not become zones of fear. Children should not bear the burden of insecurity,” the organisation stated.
SOJA Condemns Alleged Abduction of Teachers, Students in Oyo, Demands Urgent Rescue Efforts
Troops recover suspected stolen motorcycle in Plateau
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 6, Operation Enduring Peace have recovered a suspected stolen motorcycle following a pursuit of suspected motorcycle snatchers in Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau.
Security sources disclosed that the incident occurred at about 6:30 p.m. on May 21 along the Bachi-Banghai road after troops received reports on the activities of suspected motorcycle snatchers in the area.
The sources said the troops immediately mobilised and pursued the suspects, who abandoned the motorcycle and fled upon sighting the security personnel.
According to the sources, the recovered motorcycle has been secured, while efforts were ongoing to identify the rightful owner and apprehend the fleeing suspects.
The military said the operation formed part of sustained efforts to combat criminal activities and enhance security across Plateau.
Troops recover suspected stolen motorcycle in Plateau
Troops launch rescue operation after abduction in Plateau
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 1, Operation Enduring Peace have launched a rescue operation following the abduction of a resident in Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau.
Security sources disclosed that the incident occurred at about 11:00 p.m. on May 21 when gunmen reportedly abducted Mr Eze Emeka from his residence at Agingi village.
The sources said troops swiftly responded to the distress report and commenced rescue operations in collaboration with other security agencies.
According to the sources, efforts were ongoing to track down the kidnappers and secure the safe release of the victim.
The military assured residents that security forces were intensifying operations to curb criminal activities in the area.
Troops launch rescue operation after abduction in Plateau
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