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ECOWAS Court Declares Inadmissible Case of Human Rights violations Againat Nigeria
ECOWAS Court Declares Inadmissible Case of Human Rights violations Againat Nigeria
By: Michael Mike
The Community Court of Justice, ECOWAS has declared inadmissible, a case of alleged human rights violations brought by a Nigerian suing on behalf of Makia Media Limited, and dismissed all claims sought by the Applicant.
In its judgment delivered by Justice Sengu Koroma, Judge Rapporteur, the Court noted it had jurisdiction to hear the case centred on alleged human rights violations. On admissibility, the Court held that although the Applicant had jurisdiction to bring a claim for human rights violation as a corporate body, it neither met the requirement of ‘actio popularis’ principle that is, an action for the benefit of the public, nor demonstrated that the victims cannot be envisioned by the Court.
Consequently, the Court declared the case inadmissible after noting that the Applicant lacked the legal capacity to bring the matter before the Court as actio popularis, and equally failed to present evidence mandating him to act in a representational capacity on behalf of Makia Media Limited.
“The reliefs sought must be exclusively for the benefit of the public to the exclusion of the personal interest of the Applicant,” the judgment stated.
In the initiating application with suit number ECW/CCJ/APP/43/21, the Applicant, Patrick Eholor suing on behalf of Makia Media Limited alleged that the Respondent, Federal Government of Nigeria through its agent and extant laws governing broadcasting in Nigeria violated the rights of human rights defenders, activists, bloggers, journalists, broadcasters and social media users including their rights to freedom of expression, and information.
He added that various provisions of Nigeria’s Broadcasting Code were inconsistent with the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and other international Treaties and Conventions to which Nigeria is a signatory.
He claimed that in July 2020, the Respondent through its agent – Nigeria Broadcasting Commission (NBC) began implementation of repressive Sections of the Code particularly Sections 5, 4 (1), (f) and 5 (4), (3). Furthermore, NBC considered all coverage on security issues as threat to governance and engaged in arbitrary arrest and detention of media practitioners. He further claimed the Respondent also failed to release public information sought by practitioners.
On their part, the Respondent denied the claims of the Applicant arguing that no court had declared any Sections of the NBC Code as ambiguous or illegal and that the Applicant had not been prevented from exercising its rights within the limits of the law. It added that the Applicant was not at any time arrested or detained. It contended that the Applicant being a corporate body lacked the capacity to sue for violation of human rights.
After deliberation, the Court upheld the preliminary objection raised by the Federal Republic of Nigeria when it declared the entire suit inadmissible “both as an actio popularis suit and a representational suit. It also dismissed all other claims.
As to cost, the Court recalled its previous award of the sum of Two Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira (against the Respondent state for tardiness), it therefore ordered the payment of the interlocutory cost of 250,000 Naira in favour of the Applicant.
With Justice Koroma on the bench were Justices Ricardo Claúdio Monteiro Gonçalves (presiding) and Dupe Atoki (member).
ECOWAS Court Declares Inadmissible Case of Human Rights violations Againat Nigeria
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EXCLUSIVE: Militia Supremacy Battle Fuels Deadly Attacks in Benue Community as 17 Killed
EXCLUSIVE: Militia Supremacy Battle Fuels Deadly Attacks in Benue Community as 17 Killed
By: Zagazola Makama
What began as a territorial rivalry among armed militia leaders in Benue has once again left a trail of blood and grief in its wake, as no fewer than 17 persons were confirmed killed following a spate of deadly attacks in Gbeji, Ukum, and Logo axis of the state.
While the attack was initially blamed on suspected herdsmen who stormed the farming communities around 1:00 p.m. on April 18, security intelligence obtained by Zagazola Makama revealed a deeper crisis rooted in supremacy battles among three local militia commanders: Konyon, Full Fire, and Chen.
The trio, according to sources familiar with militia activities in the Sankera region, were once protégés of the slain notorious warlord, Terwase Akwaza, popularly known as “Gana.” However, following Gana’s death in a 2020 military ambush, the scramble for control of his criminal empire fractured their ranks, spawning bitter rivalries, betrayals, and deadly reprisals.
Intelligence ources disclosed that the most recent violence was sparked when Chen allegedly rustled cattle belonging to Fulani herders who strayed into his territory in Logo Local Government Area. The attack prompted a swift and brutal response from rival militia leader Full Fire, who is believed to have forged a deadly alliance with some armed herdsmen operating along the Wukari-Benue border.
Full Fire led a joint force of allied herders and loyalists into Logo, looking for Chen. When they couldn’t find him, they turned their guns on innocent villagers
The initial wave of the attack left five villagers dead, shot at close range. Security forces were immediately deployed and engaged the attackers in a gun battle, forcing them to retreat toward the Wukari axis of neighbouring Taraba State.
But the horror didn’t end there.
Hours later, another round of coordinated attacks claimed the lives of 12 more civilians, bringing the total confirmed death toll to 17. Security officials say most of the victims were farmers and residents caught in the crossfire of a criminal war they had no stake in.
Additional troops have been deployed to the affected communities to prevent further attacks and build public confidence,” the Command’s spokesperson said.
The battle for control among militia warlords continues to destabilize large parts of the Sankera region, where government presence remains limited and community members are frequently caught between rival armed groups and opportunistic bandits.
Zagazola warned that unless urgent steps are taken to dismantle these criminal networks, restore civil authority, and broker genuine disarmament deals, more blood may yet flow in Benue’s long-suffering hinterlands.
EXCLUSIVE: Militia Supremacy Battle Fuels Deadly Attacks in Benue Community as 17 Killed
Five Vigilante Members Beat Man to Death over a Woman in Niger
By: Zagazola Makama
Five members of a vigilante group in Niger State have been implicated in the death of one Muhammad Omaba, who was attacked over a personal dispute.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama on April 17, 2025, at around 1700hrs, a complaint was received regarding the death of Omaba, a resident of Cuderegi Village in Lemu Gbako Local Government Area.
The suspects, identified as Alhaji Yikangi, Modu Alhaji Idris, Danjuma Yikangi, Worongi Yikangi, and Mai Tawhidi all members of a local vigilante group reportedly attacked Omaba around 0100hrs that day.
The assault occurred after an argument about Fatima Suleiman, a woman from the same village.
During the altercation, Omaba was beaten to the point of coma. He was immediately rushed to the General Hospital Lemu, but he was confirmed dead upon arrival.
The police have launched efforts to arrest the suspects who are currently at large. The investigation is ongoing as authorities work to bring those responsible for the killing to justice.
Five Vigilante Members Beat Man to Death over a Woman in Niger
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Suspected Food Poisoning Claims Two Lives of Members of the Nigerian Guild of Editors in Imo State
Suspected Food Poisoning Claims Two Lives of Members of the Nigerian Guild of Editors in Imo State
By: Zagazola Makama
A suspected food poisoning incident has led to 6the deaths of two individuals in Imo State. The incident occurred on April 18, 2025, at about 0500hrs, around Works Layout by Nwaosu Street, where members of the Nigeria Actors Guild were filming a movie.
Sources told Zagazola Makama that the group was served food and drinks during the shoot. Shortly after consuming the meal, two members, identified as Monday Israel and Evans Sampson, collapsed.
They were rushed to the Federal Medical Center for medical treatment, but both were confirmed dead on arrival.
The bodies have been deposited in the mortuary for preservation and autopsy, while the other two affected individuals remain under treatment.
Several suspects have been arrested in connection with the incident, and an investigation is ongoing.
Suspected Food Poisoning Claims Two Lives of Members of the Nigerian Guild of Editors in Imo State
Armed Bandits Attack Ringa Village, Kidnap Four in Niger
Pastor Killed in Armed Robbery Attack in Plateau
EXCLUSIVE: Militia Supremacy Battle Fuels Deadly Attacks in Benue Community as 17 Killed
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