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ECOWAS COURT ORDERS NIGERIA TO COMPENSATE TORTURE VICTIM AND INVESTIGATE POLICE ABUSE
ECOWAS COURT ORDERS NIGERIA TO COMPENSATE TORTURE VICTIM AND INVESTIGATE POLICE ABUSE
By: Michael Mike
The ECOWAS Court of Justice has on 3 December 2024, delivered judgment in the case of Oluwatimilehin Adebayo v. Federal Republic of Nigeria (ECW/CCJ/APP/47/23), ordering the Federal Republic of Nigeria to pay ₦5 million in compensation to the Applicant for the violation of his right to freedom from torture.
The case arose from the brutal treatment of Mr. Oluwatimilehin Adebayo by police officers in Ogun State, who subjected him to severe physical abuse, including beating him with the handle of an axe and tying his limbs with chains to a pole.
This ordeal caused him physical injuries, including trauma to his scrotum, and left him suffering from significant psychological distress.
The Respondent challenged the jurisdiction of the Court arguing that the case was filed outside the three-year limitation period stipulated under the Court’s rules, rendering it statute-barred. It also argued that the Court lacks jurisdiction to hear the matter, arguing that it would involve reviewing a case that is either pending (sub judice) or already decided by a municipal court within the Respondent State.
In the Judgment delivered by Honourable Justice Dupe Atoki, the Judge Rapporteur, the Court ruled that these acts constituted torture, violating Article 5 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, to which Nigeria is a party.
The Court noted that the torture was intentional and aimed at coercing Mr. Adebayo into signing a pre-written statement. Consequently, it ordered the Federal Republic of Nigeria to pay ₦5 million in compensation to the Applicant for the violation of his right to freedom from torture.
It also ordered Nigeria to conduct a prompt, impartial, and effective investigation into the torture and prosecute those responsible.
However, the Court dismissed the claim that the applicant’s right to a remedy had been violated, noting that there was no evidence the Applicant had formally reported the abuse to relevant authorities.
Earlier, the Court dismissed Nigeria’s preliminary objections, affirming its jurisdiction to hear human rights cases, and ruled that the matter was admissible. It clarified that the statute of limitations under Article 9(3)(b) of the Court’s Protocol does not apply to human rights violations.
The three-member panel of the Court were Honourable Justice Sengu Mohamed Koroma (presiding judge), Honourable Justice Dupe Atoki, (judge rapporteur), and Honourable Justice Gberi-Bè Ouattara (Panel member
ECOWAS COURT ORDERS NIGERIA TO COMPENSATE TORTURE VICTIM AND INVESTIGATE POLICE ABUSE
Troops Repel Bandit Attack, Rescue Lower Sharia Court Judge in Katsina State
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops have successfully repelled a bandit attack in Mahuta Village, Dandume Local Government Area (LGA), Katsina State, and rescued a prominent local judge, Mr. Rabiu Tukur, following the abduction of six residents on April 8, 2025.
Zagazola Makama informed by security sources that three attack occurred around 11:55 p.m. when armed bandits stormed the village, kidnapping six individuals, including Mr. Tukur, a 49-year-old judge with the Lower Sharia Court, Dandume.
The troops engaged the bandits in a fierce confrontation, successfully rescuing Mr. Tukur without any harm.
Efforts to locate and rescue the remaining five victims are ongoing, with security forces intensifying search and rescue operations in the surrounding areas.
Troops Repel Bandit Attack, Rescue Lower Sharia Court Judge in Katsina State
News
Clash Between Commuters and Customs Officers Leads to Accident and Mob Violence in Maiadua, Kastina
Clash Between Commuters and Customs Officers Leads to Accident and Mob Violence in Maiadua, Kastina
By: Zagazola Makama
A clash between a Customs patrol team and commuters resulted in a serious accident at Koza Village, Maiadua Local Government Area (LGA), on April 8, 2025, at around 8:35 p.m.
Sources told Zagazola Makama that the Customs team was in pursuit of a commuter vehicle when the incident occurred.
In the aftermath, an angry mob set fire to the Customs camp in retaliation for the accident. The situation escalated, but the Division Police Officer (DPO) quickly mobilized police personnel to the scene to restore order.
As of now, the situation has been brought under control, and an investigation is underway to ascertain the details surrounding the incident.
Clash Between Commuters and Customs Officers Leads to Accident and Mob Violence in Maiadua, Kastina
Bandit Attack Foiled in Musawa LGA Kastina As Nine Kidnapped Victims Rescued
By: Zagazola Makama
In a daring rescue operation, the security forces successfully foiled a kidnapping attempt and rescued nine victims from armed bandits on April 9, 2025, at approximately 1:25 a.m.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the suspected armed bandits, riding motorcycles, stormed Farin Dutse in Dangani, Musawa Local Government Area, and abducted several individuals.
However, the timely response from the Division Police Officer (DPO), who mobilized a Joint APC Patrol to the scene, led to a fierce gun battle with the bandits.
In the aftermath of the engagement, six females and three males were rescued and swiftly transported to the General Hospital Musawa for medical attention.
The victims are reported to be in stable condition.
Bandit Attack Foiled in Musawa LGA Kastina As Nine Kidnapped Victims Rescued
Troops Repel Bandit Attack, Rescue Lower Sharia Court Judge in Katsina State
Clash Between Commuters and Customs Officers Leads to Accident and Mob Violence in Maiadua, Kastina
Bandit Attack Foiled in Musawa LGA Kastina As Nine Kidnapped Victims Rescued
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