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AUTHORITIES RESPONSIBLE FOR ENFORCEMENT OF ECOWAS COURT JUDGMENTS BEGINS IN LAGOS, NIGERIA
AUTHORITIES RESPONSIBLE FOR ENFORCEMENT OF ECOWAS COURT JUDGMENTS BEGINS IN LAGOS, NIGERIA
By: Michael Mike
The inaugural meeting of Competent National Authorities (CNA) of ECOWAS Member States responsible for the enforcement of the judgments of the Community Court of Justice, ECOWAS has commenced in Lagos, Nigeria.
The two-day meeting holding from 23 – 24 June 2025 under the theme Enhancing the Role, Relevance, and Effectiveness of the ECOWAS Court of Justice: Strengthening Synergies Between the Court and Competent National Authorities seeks to tackle challenges impeding the effective enforcement of the Court’s decisions and to identify actionable solutions.
In his keynote address, the Honourable President of the Court, Justice Ricardo Cláudio Monteiro Gonçalves emphasised the binding nature of the Court’s judgments and the responsibility of Member States to ensure their execution. He highlighted the critical role enforcement of judgments play in upholding the rule of law, promoting justice, and strengthening regional human rights protections.
Citing Article 24(2) of the Protocol on the Court, the President reiterated that the Court’s judgments are to be enforced through writs submitted to competent national authorities, who must verify them and act in accordance with domestic civil procedure rules to ensure their execution. He further referenced Article 24(4), which mandates Member States to designate and notify the Court of their competent national authorities. He commended 10 of the 12 Member States who have complied with their obligation to designate a competent national authority.
The Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice of Nigeria, Lateef Fagbemi SAN who was represented by Mr Nnanna Ibom, Director of International and Compliance Law in the Ministry of Justice, commended the President of the Court for convening the meeting. He described the initiative as crucial to advancing regional integration, access to justice, and the rule of law. “It is imperative that we explore practical strategies to harmonise enforcement protocols and strengthen the interface between the Court and Member States’ justice institutions,” he stated.
Earlier, in his welcome address, Dr Yaouza Ouro-Sama, Chief Registrar of the Court underscored the objective of the workshop designed to strengthen the working relationship between the Court and the CNA to ensure seamless enforcement of its judgments. He acknowledged that poor compliance is a widespread challenge faced by many international courts, given their reliance on the political will and legal infrastructure of Member States.
Citing Article 15(4) of the Revised ECOWAS Treaty, he recalled that judgments of the Court are binding on Member States, community institutions, individuals, and corporate entities. Dr Ouro-Sama also identified persistent obstacles to enforcement, including lack of domestication of legal instruments, insufficient political commitment, and the absence of implementing legislation.
The CNA workshop aims to foster cooperation, facilitate information sharing, and develop sustainable mechanisms for the enforcement of judgments of the ECOWAS Court and the enhancement of access to justice in the ECOWAS region.
AUTHORITIES RESPONSIBLE FOR ENFORCEMENT OF ECOWAS COURT JUDGMENTS BEGINS IN LAGOS, NIGERIA
Troops launch rescue operation for abducted Edo seminarians, hunter injured in Kogi ambush
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of the Nigerian Army have launched a joint rescue operation for two abducted seminarians from Ivianakpodi Minor Seminary, Agenebode, Edo State, with support from vigilantes and hunters.
Sources told Zagazola Makama that the operation followed credible intelligence indicating that the victims were being held in the Alarke village axis, beyond Awara area of Kogi State.
According to the source, the troops, accompanied by local vigilantes and hunters, advanced into the suspected hideout at about 5:15 a.m. on Sunday.
“While moving behind the hills of Alarke, the team ran into an ambush by the kidnappers. A hunter, Mohammed Abubakar, 30, sustained gunshot wounds to his right thigh and was immediately evacuated to Cross Nations Consultant Hospital, Lokoja, for treatment,” the source said.
The troops said efforts were ongoing to rescue the abducted seminarians unhurt and apprehend the culprits.
They commended the contributions of vigilantes and hunters in the operation and assured that the victims would soon regain freedom.
End
Villagers kill bandit in market attack, one resident also shot dead in Zamfara
By: Zagazola Makama
One armed bandit was killed by residents during an attempted robbery in Bilbis village, Tsafe Local Government Area of Zamfara State, while another resident was fatally shot by the fleeing criminals.
Zagazola Makama learnt that the incident occurred on Sunday at about 1:45 p.m., when two armed bandits riding a motorcycle stormed the village market intending to rob phones from shops where they were being charged.
“The villagers resisted and confronted the bandits. In the ensuing scuffle, one of the bandits was killed, while the other escaped on the motorcycle, taking the rifle of the deceased bandit. The corpse of the dead bandit was left at the western outskirts of the village,” a community source said.
The source added that while the bandits attempted to retrieve their accomplice’s body, they intercepted and shot dead a 29-year-old villager, Amiru Sani, who was returning from his farm. His body was removed by relatives and buried according to Islamic rites.
Efforts are ongoing in the community to prevent possible reprisal attacks.
Villagers kill bandit in market attack, one resident also shot dead in Zamfara
Armed men attack cattle herders, one killed, one kidnapped in Bauchi
By: Zagazola Makama
An adult man was killed and a 12-year-old boy kidnapped after unidentified armed men attacked cattle herders in Yankari bush, Alkaleri Local Government, on Sunday morning.
Alhaji Ibrahim of Kunkar village reported that at about 7:20 a.m., while his family members were tending to cattle, the assailants approached and demanded to know who was the son of the owner. During the confrontation, 35-year-old Adamu Ibrahim attempted to flee but was shot in the left leg.
The injured man was rushed to the Primary Health Centre in Gar, where he was pronounced dead. The assailants subsequently kidnapped Sule Ibrahim, aged 12, before fleeing the scene.
Local hunters and community members have intensified search efforts in the area to rescue the boy and apprehend the attackers. Investigations are ongoing.
Armed men attack cattle herders, one killed, one kidnapped in Bauchi
Drug kingpin, 5 others in NDLEA custody for smuggling drugs into bags of 3 Nigerians facing charges in Saudi Arabia
Troops launch rescue operation for abducted Edo seminarians, hunter injured in Kogi ambush
Villagers kill bandit in market attack, one resident also shot dead in Zamfara
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