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COURT DISMISSES CLAIMS OF HUMAN RIGHTS VIOLATIONS AGAINST GUINEA, AMID CLAIMS OF MISTAKEN IDENTITY

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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

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Madiba Advocates Raise Alarm, Urge Presidency, Labour Ministry, NSITF Management Board & relevant authorities to Probe Alleged ₦297bn NSITF Irregularities Linked to MD Faleye Oluwaseun

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3 hours ago

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April 4, 2026

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Madiba Advocates Raise Alarm, Urge Presidency, Labour Ministry, NSITF Management Board & relevant authorities to Probe Alleged ₦297bn NSITF Irregularities Linked to MD Faleye Oluwaseun

Madiba Advocates for Good Governance has criticised what it described as the continued silence of authorities over serious allegations of financial irregularities at the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF), calling on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Honourable Minister of Labour and Employment, the NSITF Management Board, and other relevant agencies to urgently initiate a comprehensive investigation.

The group said the allegations, which have persisted in the public domain for weeks, involve the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of NSITF, Mr. Oluwaseun Mayomi Faleye, and have yet to receive any clear institutional response despite their gravity.

The call follows a series of petitions and public disclosures that have brought increased scrutiny to the management of the Fund, particularly in relation to financial transactions and governance processes within the institution. Madiba Advocates noted that the scale of the allegations and the sensitivity of the funds involved make immediate intervention both necessary and urgent.

At the centre of the controversy are allegations involving the management of approximately ₦297,019,145,288.60 in funds collected under the Employees’ Compensation Act (ECA) between January 2 and October 9, 2025.

The Employees’ Compensation Scheme is funded through mandatory employer contributions designed to provide compensation to Nigerian workers who suffer injury, disability, or death in the course of employment. Stakeholders have consistently emphasised that these funds are not government revenue, but trust funds belonging exclusively to Nigerian workers, requiring strict oversight and accountability.

₦243bn Allegedly Spent Without Board Approval

Documents referenced in the public domain indicate that out of the total inflow of ₦297 billion, an estimated ₦243,203,518,621.17 was expended within the same period. Sources allege that a significant portion of these expenditures may have been carried out without the approval of the NSITF Management Board, raising concerns about compliance with the NSITF Act and established financial regulations.

‘No Approval Limit’ Raises Governance Concerns

Central to the allegations is an internal document reportedly linked to a March 4, 2025 Executive Committee (EXCO) meeting, which outlined financial approval thresholds for officials. While limits were reportedly set for other officers, the Managing Director was allegedly assigned “no approval limit”, a development that has raised serious concerns about internal controls and governance safeguards.

Multiple Accounts and Financial Flow Allegations

Further reports allege the existence of over 100 bank accounts linked to a single Bank Verification Number (BVN), alongside financial inflows amounting to over $7.3 million and hundreds of millions of naira into accounts linked to the Managing Director and associated entities. Analysts note that such patterns, if verified, would require thorough scrutiny by relevant financial and regulatory authorities.

₦5.5bn Commission Payments Queried

Additional concerns have been raised over alleged commission payments totalling ₦5.53 billion, reportedly made without clear evidence of requisite approvals from the Board or the supervising Ministry. The payments are said to range between 15 and 20 per cent commissions and were allegedly executed outside standard procedures.

Governance Gap Raises Further Questions

Observers have also pointed to a governance gap between July 2023, when the Managing Director was appointed, and January 2025, when the Management Board was reportedly constituted, raising concerns about the level of oversight during that period.

Madiba Advocates for Good Governance stated that the issues have now reached a critical point, requiring decisive action from all relevant authorities to ensure transparency and accountability in the management of the Fund.

Call for Urgent Investigation

Reacting to the development, Madiba Advocates for Good Governance, led by its Executive Director, Alhassan Kabiru, expressed concern over the prolonged delay in addressing the allegations and the absence of a coordinated institutional response.

The group called on:
• The Chairman of the NSITF Management Board,
• The Honourable Minister of Labour and Employment,
• Relevant regulatory and anti-corruption agencies, and
• President Bola Ahmed Tinubu

to urgently intervene and ensure a thorough and independent investigation into the matter.

“This matter has lingered in the public space without clarity. It is important that the appropriate authorities take decisive steps to investigate and establish the facts,” the group stated.

Madiba Advocates emphasized that transparency in handling the allegations is essential to restoring confidence in public institutions and safeguarding workers’ funds.

Responses and Presumption of Innocence

When contacted, Mr. Faleye reportedly stated that he was not aware of the allegations. Officials of the Ministry of Labour were also said to have denied prior knowledge of the claims, while the NSITF Management Board indicated that the issues would be verified.

All allegations remain unproven and subject to investigation.

A Test of Accountability

Analysts say the situation presents a significant test of Nigeria’s public finance accountability framework, particularly for institutions entrusted with workers’ welfare.

Madiba Advocates for Good Governance warned that the continued delay in addressing these allegations risks sending the wrong signal about accountability within public institutions. The organisation urged the Presidency, the Ministry of Labour, and the NSITF Management Board to act without further delay to investigate the issues and restore confidence in the system. It added that failure to act decisively could further erode public trust and undermine the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda on transparency, accountability, and good governance.

Madiba Advocates Raise Alarm, Urge Presidency, Labour Ministry, NSITF Management Board & relevant authorities to Probe Alleged ₦297bn NSITF Irregularities Linked to MD Faleye Oluwaseun

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Easter: IPCR Calls for Peace, Unity, National Reconciliation

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4 hours ago

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April 4, 2026

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Easter: IPCR Calls for Peace, Unity, National Reconciliation

By: Michael Mike

The Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR) has called on Nigerians to embrace peace, unity, and national reconciliation as Christians across the country mark Easter.

In a press statement issued on Saturday, the Director-General of the institute, Joseph Ochogwu, extended warm greetings to Christians, describing Easter as a sacred season that reflects sacrifice, redemption, and hope.

He noted that the celebration of the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ remains a defining moment in the Christian faith, symbolising victory over adversity, renewal of life, and the triumph of light over darkness.

Ochogwu urged Christians to use the period to pray for peace, tranquility, and harmony in Nigeria, especially at a time when the country is grappling with security challenges. He referenced recent incidents of violence in parts of the country, including Plateau State, Kaduna State, and Maiduguri.

The IPCR boss expressed condolences to families and communities affected by the violence, offering prayers for strength, healing, and comfort for those grieving.

He emphasised that Easter serves as a reminder of the enduring power of hope, urging Nigerians—regardless of religion, ethnicity, or background—to embrace peaceful coexistence and mutual respect.

Ochogwu also called on citizens to remain vigilant and support lawful efforts to safeguard lives and property, stressing that peacebuilding is a collective responsibility.

“As we celebrate this holy season, let us preach love, extend kindness, and demonstrate compassion in our daily interactions,” he said, adding that the spirit of Easter should inspire reconciliation and a renewed commitment to building a peaceful and prosperous nation.

The institute reaffirmed its commitment to promoting dialogue, strengthening conflict resolution mechanisms, and supporting initiatives aimed at achieving sustainable peace across Nigeria.

He gave a message of hope, praying that Easter would bring healing to the nation, comfort to the afflicted, and renewed optimism for a future defined by unity and shared progress.

Easter: IPCR Calls for Peace, Unity, National Reconciliation

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Military

Army, DSS arrest notorious cultist, gunrunner in Cross River, recover weapons

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6 hours ago

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April 4, 2026

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Army, DSS arrest notorious cultist, gunrunner in Cross River, recover weapons

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops of 13 Brigade, in collaboration with the Department of State Services (DSS), have arrested a suspected cultist and gunrunner during a raid operation in Ikom Local Government Area of Cross River State.

Security sources said the operation was carried out at about 1:10 a.m. on April 3 along Effangha Spring Road in Ikom.

The sources disclosed that the suspect, who hails from Khana Local Government Area of Rivers State, was apprehended during the coordinated raid.

According to the sources, troops recovered one revolver pistol, one sword, two laptops, four mobile phones, one digital camera, one wristwatch, three identity cards, and a sack of garri allegedly used to conceal the weapon.

The suspect and recovered items have since been handed over to the DSS for further investigation and possible prosecution.

Security authorities said the operation is part of ongoing efforts to curb cult-related violence and illegal arms circulation in the South-South region.

Army, DSS arrest notorious cultist, gunrunner in Cross River, recover weapons

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