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COURT DISMISSES CLAIMS OF HUMAN RIGHTS VIOLATIONS AGAINST GUINEA, AMID CLAIMS OF MISTAKEN IDENTITY
COURT DISMISSES CLAIMS OF HUMAN RIGHTS VIOLATIONS AGAINST GUINEA, AMID CLAIMS OF MISTAKEN IDENTITY
By: Michael Mike
The ECOWAS Court of Justice has dismissed a case brought by a Guinean alleging violation of his rights to fair, impartial and independent court proceedings by the State of Guinea.
In its judgment delivered by Hon Justice Sengu Mohamed Koroma, Judge Rapporteur, the Court affirmed it had jurisdiction to hear the case and declared the application admissible. However, it held that the Applicant – Mr Souleymane Bah’s rights were not violated as claimed.
In addition, the Court dismissed the preliminary objection of the Respondent – State of Guinea challenging the admissibility of the case before the Court as well as Mr Bah’s application to compel a witness to testify before the Court. It also dismissed all other reliefs and claims sought by both parties, and ordered Mr Bah to pay a symbolic cost of 10,000 CFA Francs to the State of Guinea.
In the case with suit number ECW/CCJ/APP/24/19, filed on 3 June 2019, Mr Bah claimed the violation of his rights to fair, impartial and independent tribunal as enshrined in the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Right (ACHPR) and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR).
Mr Bah, who was represented by his lawyer – Mr. Alpha Yaya Drame, told the Court that a partial Order was issued against him under his nickname “Thia’nguel” but that he was neither notified of the allegations against him nor was he given an opportunity to respond to the same. He also told the Court that he learnt of his conviction to life sentence from the press.
He averred that he was tried in absentia which contravenes the provisions of the Guinean Code of Criminal Procedure and asked the Court to order the State of Guinea to, inter alia, pay him general and economic damages as his conviction has equally affected his contract with an international organisation.
On its part, the Respondent – State of Guinea represented by Mr. Joachim Gbilimou, denied Mr. Bah’s claims adding that Judgment No 03 of 9th January 2018 involving Thia’nguel was not the same person as Mr. Souleymane Bah and that Thia’nguel was never identified as Mr. Bah during the trial.
He further argued that Mr. Bah should have opposed the decision of the national court if he felt he was the same person, and moreover, the nickname was not indicated as a party to any contract with an international organisation as claimed. The Respondent therefore asked the Court to dismiss all the claims of Mr. Bah and award costs in its favour.
Concerning Mr Bah’s request for the Court to compel the Attorney-General of Guinea to give evidence before the Court, the Court noted that the facts and evidence before it did not establish a connection between Mr. Bah, the indictment and or the said judgment from the national court, and therefore dismissed his application.
However, the Court ordered the Guinean government to refrain from arresting or detaining Mr. Souleymane Bah in relation to Judgment No 3 of 9th January, 2018, following the government’s earlier submission that “the criminal Judgment n° 03 of 09/01/2018 of the Tribunal of First instance of Dixinn did not target Mr Souleymane BAH”.
The Court dismissed all other claims after noting that ‘the so-called Thia’nguel was never formally identified at any of the judicial stages’ and therefore Mr. Bah cannot claim his rights were violated because he was neither served any notice of action, nor given opportunity to defend himself, and he could not have appealed or challenge the default judgment of the national court as Mr. Souleymane Bah.
Furthermore, Judgment no 03 of 9th January 2018, could not have caused Mr Bah, the termination of his contract because the agreement between the parties allowed for the possibility of non-renewal of the said contract.
The Court also dismissed Mr. Bah’s claim for compensation on the grounds that media report which is not a usual channel of court communication cannot be taken as a court process.
It awarded a symbolic 10,000 CFA Francs as cost in favour of the State of Guinea.
Also on the three-member panel were Honourable Justices Gbéri-Bè Ouattara(presiding) and Ricardo Claúdio Monteiro Gonçalves (member).
The ECOWAS Court of Justice has dismissed a case brought by a Guinean alleging violation of his rights to fair, impartial and independent court proceedings by the State of Guinea.
In its judgment on Monday delivered by Hon Justice Sengu Mohamed Koroma, Judge Rapporteur, the Court affirmed it had jurisdiction to hear the case and declared the application admissible. However, it held that the Applicant – Mr Souleymane Bah’s rights were not violated as claimed.
In addition, the Court dismissed the preliminary objection of the Respondent – State of Guinea challenging the admissibility of the case before the Court as well as Mr Bah’s application to compel a witness to testify before the Court. It also dismissed all other reliefs and claims sought by both parties, and ordered Mr Bah to pay a symbolic cost of 10,000 CFA Francs to the State of Guinea.
In the case with suit number ECW/CCJ/APP/24/19, filed on 3 June 2019, Mr Bah claimed the violation of his rights to fair, impartial and independent tribunal as enshrined in the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Right (ACHPR) and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR).
Bah, who was represented by his lawyer – Mr. Alpha Yaya Drame, told the Court that a partial Order was issued against him under his nickname “Thia’nguel” but that he was neither notified of the allegations against him nor was he given an opportunity to respond to the same.
He also told the Court that he learnt of his conviction to life sentence from the press.
He averred that he was tried in absentia which contravenes the provisions of the Guinean Code of Criminal Procedure and asked the Court to order the State of Guinea to, inter alia, pay him general and economic damages as his conviction has equally affected his contract with an international organisation.
On its part, the Respondent – State of Guinea represented by Mr. Joachim Gbilimou, denied Mr. Bah’s claims adding that Judgment No 03 of 9th January 2018 involving Thia’nguel was not the same person as Mr. Souleymane Bah and that Thia’nguel was never identified as Mr. Bah during the trial.
He further argued that Bah should have opposed the decision of the national court if he felt he was the same person, and moreover, the nickname was not indicated as a party to any contract with an international organisation as claimed. The Respondent therefore asked the Court to dismiss all the claims of Bah and award costs in its favour.
Concerning Bah’s request for the Court to compel the Attorney-General of Guinea to give evidence before the Court, the Court noted that the facts and evidence before it did not establish a connection between Mr. Bah, the indictment and or the said judgment from the national court, and therefore dismissed his application.
However, the Court ordered the Guinean government to refrain from arresting or detaining Mr. Souleymane Bah in relation to Judgment No 3 of 9th January, 2018, following the government’s earlier submission that “the criminal Judgment n° 03 of 09/01/2018 of the Tribunal of First instance of Dixinn did not target Mr Souleymane BAH”.
The Court dismissed all other claims after noting that ‘the so-called Thia’nguel was never formally identified at any of the judicial stages’ and therefore Mr. Bah cannot claim his rights were violated because he was neither served any notice of action, nor given opportunity to defend himself, and he could not have appealed or challenge the default judgment of the national court as Mr. Souleymane Bah.
Furthermore, Judgment no 03 of 9th January 2018, could not have caused Mr Bah, the termination of his contract because the agreement between the parties allowed for the possibility of non-renewal of the said contract.
The Court also dismissed Mr. Bah’s claim for compensation on the grounds that media report which is not a usual channel of court communication cannot be taken as a court process.
It awarded a symbolic 10,000 CFA Francs as cost in favour of the State of Guinea.
Also on the three-member panel were Honourable Justices Gbéri-Bè Ouattara(presiding) and Ricardo Claúdio Monteiro Gonçalves (member).
COURT DISMISSES CLAIMS OF HUMAN RIGHTS VIOLATIONS AGAINST GUINEA, AMID CLAIMS OF MISTAKEN IDENTITY
Former Kaduna governor El-Rufai loses mother
By: Zagazola Makama
The former Governor of Kaduna State, Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai, has lost his mother, Hajiya Umma, who passed away on Friday.
The announcement of her death was announced by the Elrufai Family on Friday.
Family sources said the deceased had been battling age-related health challenges, which worsened in recent times.
According to the sources, her condition reportedly deteriorated further after she learned of the detention of her son by the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC).
They noted that El-Rufai had been closely managing his mother’s health prior to her demise.
The family prayed for Almighty Allah to forgive her shortcomings and grant her Aljannatul Firdaus.
Former Kaduna governor El-Rufai loses mother
NSCDC Unveils Five-Year Strategy to Strengthen National Security
By: Michael Mike
The Commandant-General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Abubakar Audi has unveiled a comprehensive five-year strategic roadmap aimed at strengthening national security, boosting operational efficiency and enhancing professionalism within the Corps.
Speaking at a high-level meeting with commanding officers from state formations across the country, Audi described the gathering as both “historic and strategic,” noting that it signaled the beginning of the second phase of his leadership following his reappointment.
The NSCDC boss expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for approving his reappointment and to the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, for recommending him for the position.
According to him, the renewed mandate provides the opportunity to deepen reforms and reposition the Corps for greater efficiency and national relevance.
Reflecting on his previous tenure, Houdi highlighted reforms introduced to tackle internal challenges within the organisation, particularly the issue of staff stagnation that had affected morale among personnel.
He noted that his administration addressed long-standing promotion delays and salary arrears, adding that efforts were ongoing through a presidential committee responsible for settling outstanding payments across Ministries, Departments and Agencies.
The Commandant-General also underscored the importance of capacity building, revealing that the Corps had developed a standardised curriculum for its training institutions. He described the initiative as a major step toward strengthening professionalism and operational discipline within the agency.
He said more senior officers have also been sponsored to attend strategic leadership programmes, including courses at the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), aimed at improving institutional leadership and policy competence.
“Training remains central to discipline, professionalism and productivity,” Houdi said, adding that the next phase of his leadership would prioritise retraining and ethical reorientation of personnel.
He also highlighted operational achievements recorded by the Corps, particularly in the fight against oil theft and illegal mining across the country.
According to him, the Corps’ Special Intelligence Squad has dismantled more than 400 illegal refineries, arrested and prosecuted over 1,000 suspects, and secured between 400 and 500 convictions.
Similarly, the Mining Marshals initiative has shut down more than 1,000 illegal mining sites nationwide and facilitated the arrest and prosecution of numerous offenders, including foreign nationals.
Audi said these achievements were made possible through collaboration with other security agencies, particularly the Nigerian Army, as well as partnerships with private sector actors.
The Corps has also expanded its operational infrastructure, with new command facilities constructed in several locations and modern surveillance and communication equipment deployed to formations across the country.
He further disclosed that the agency is establishing a hydrocarbon and maritime surveillance centre in partnership with Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, alongside an ICT centre project expected to be completed within the next few months.
As part of the new strategy, the NSCDC will increasingly deploy advanced technologies, including artificial intelligence and drone surveillance, to enhance monitoring and protection of critical national assets.
Aidi outlined key priorities for the next five years, including strengthening discipline within the Corps, expanding training and retraining programmes, deploying modern surveillance technologies and enhancing protection of critical infrastructure.
He also announced plans to establish specialised units dedicated to safeguarding power infrastructure and tackling vandalism in the electricity sector.
The Commandant-General warned that the Corps would maintain zero tolerance for indiscipline and misconduct among personnel.
“We must restore professionalism and discipline. Any conduct outside our code will not be tolerated,” he said.
He urged officers to remain committed to protecting critical national infrastructure and to deepen intelligence sharing and collaboration with other security agencies in strengthening the country’s security architecture.
Audi challenged personnel to demonstrate the Corps’ relevance through tangible results.
“We must prove that we are ready to serve the nation with loyalty, commitment and professionalism,” he added.
NSCDC Unveils Five-Year Strategy to Strengthen National Security
ECOWAS Court Launches Five-Year Strategic Plan to Deepen Justice, Regional Integration
By: Michael Mike
The ECOWAS Court of Justice has unveiled an ambitious five-year strategic plan designed to strengthen the rule of law, expand access to justice and deepen regional integration across West Africa.
The plan, which will run from 2026 to 2030, was officially launched on Friday in Abuja, where the leadership of the court outlined a bold vision to transform the institution into a more effective and accessible pillar of justice within the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
President of the court, Ricardo Goncalves, described the strategy as a decisive moment for the institution, saying it reflects a renewed commitment to strengthening the court’s role in safeguarding justice and promoting stability across the region.
“This moment is not merely symbolic. Above all, it represents a turning point. It is a clear affirmation of our collective resolve to strengthen the role of the Court as a guarantor of the rule of law, a promoter of justice, and a vital pillar of regional integration in West Africa,” he said.
According to him, the new strategy outlines a shared vision focused on institutional transformation, operational efficiency and measurable impact on the lives of citizens within the ECOWAS community.
Goncalves emphasised that the success of the initiative would depend on strong collaboration among judges, court staff and key regional stakeholders, stressing that each group has a critical role to play in achieving the objectives of the plan.
He charged judges of the court to reinforce the quality of jurisprudence, ensure consistency in judicial decisions and contribute to building a justice system that is accessible, timely and widely respected across member states.
The court president also highlighted the pivotal role of administrative staff, describing them as the backbone of the institution whose commitment to efficiency, case management and technical excellence would determine the effectiveness of the new framework.
Beyond internal reforms, he stressed the need for stronger partnerships with ECOWAS member states, regional institutions, legal practitioners, development partners and civil society organisations to ensure effective enforcement of court judgments and greater legal harmonisation across the region.
He noted that improved planning, transparency and a results-driven institutional culture would form the foundation of the strategy, which aims to reposition the court as a more visible and influential institution in regional governance.
In her welcome address, the Deputy Registrar of the court, Marie Saine, described the unveiling of the plan as the beginning of a renewed commitment to justice and service to the people of the ECOWAS region.
She explained that the Strategic Plan 2026–2030 was developed through extensive consultations, rigorous institutional review and forward-looking analysis to ensure that it responds effectively to emerging legal and governance challenges within West Africa.
Saine said the strategy is anchored on five key goals, including ensuring timely and impartial justice, expanding access to justice and legal empowerment, strengthening human rights protection and legal harmonisation, improving transparency and stakeholder engagement, and enhancing institutional capacity and governance.
She noted that the roadmap is both ambitious and pragmatic, providing clear priorities that will guide the court’s work over the next five years.
The ECOWAS Court of Justice serves as the judicial arm of the Economic Community of West African States, with the mandate to interpret community law, protect human rights and resolve disputes involving member states and institutions of the regional bloc.
Officials said the newly unveiled strategic framework replaces the court’s previous plan and is intended to position the institution to respond more effectively to evolving legal demands while strengthening its contribution to justice, peace and regional integration in West Africa.
ECOWAS Court Launches Five-Year Strategic Plan to Deepen Justice, Regional Integration
Former Kaduna governor El-Rufai loses mother
NSCDC Unveils Five-Year Strategy to Strengthen National Security
ECOWAS Court Launches Five-Year Strategic Plan to Deepen Justice, Regional Integration
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