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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
Security forces arrest suspect with 800 rounds of ammunition in Zamfara
By: Zagazola Makama
Security forces in Zamfara State have arrested a 25-year-old suspect, Mannir Adam, for allegedly transporting 800 rounds of AK-47 ammunition concealed in the fuel tank of a motorcycle.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the suspect, a resident of Yankuzo village in Tsafe Local Government Area of the state, was intercepted at about 7:50 p.m. on Tuesday along the Gusau–Funtua highway.
He was arrested at a security checkpoint in Yankara while riding a red Boxer motorcycle.
According to the sources, a search conducted by the operatives led to the discovery of 800 rounds of live ammunition for an AK-47 rifle, which had been carefully hidden inside the motorcycle’s fuel tank.
Preliminary investigation revealed that the suspect allegedly picked up the ammunition from the Bawa area in Saminaka Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
He was reportedly transporting the ammunition to Kucheri village in Tsafe Local Government Area of Zamfara State, where it was suspected to be destined for armed bandits operating in the area.
Security sources described the arrest as a major breakthrough in efforts to disrupt the supply of arms and ammunition to criminal groups terrorising communities in Zamfara and neighbouring states.
The suspect is currently in custody while further investigations are ongoing to identify and apprehend other members of the network involved in the illegal arms supply chain.
Security forces arrest suspect with 800 rounds of ammunition in Zamfara
Police arrest robbery suspects, recover firearms in Plateau
By: Zagazola Makama
The Police Command in Plateau has arrested two suspected armed robbers and recovered firearms during an intelligence-led operation in Jos North Local Government Area.
Police sources said the suspects were arrested on March 9 at about 9:15 p.m. by a team of operatives acting on credible intelligence.
The suspects were identified as Emmanuel Yakmoe of Angwan Rukuba and Alfred Song of Furaka Junction, both residents of Jos North.
According to police, a locally fabricated pistol was recovered from the suspects at the time of their arrest.
Preliminary investigation revealed that the suspects had allegedly robbed one Nandi Budadi Taki of his iPhone 16 Pro Max at gunpoint.
Further investigation led to the recovery of an additional Beretta pistol from Yakmoe at his residence in Angwan Rukuba.
Police said the suspects had confessed to the crime, adding that discreet investigation was ongoing.
The command also said efforts were being intensified to arrest other members of the robbery syndicate and recover additional weapons.
Police arrest robbery suspects, recover firearms in Plateau
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Leadership Amid Turbulence: The Stewardship of Dr. Lucky Ikharo at the National Assembly Service Commission
Leadership Amid Turbulence: The Stewardship of Dr. Lucky Ikharo at the National Assembly Service Commission
By Ayo Ajayi
In times of institutional uncertainty, leadership is often tested not by comfort but by crisis. At the National Assembly Service Commission (NASC), Abuja, such a moment emerged amid internal tensions and the spread of misinformation among sections of the workforce. At the centre of this storm stood the Commission’s Secretary, Dr. Lucky Ikharo, whose calm disposition and administrative experience have helped steady the institution through turbulent waters.
For many within the Commission, the period has been marked by a mix of rumours, misrepresentation, and what some observers describe as half-baked narratives circulating among staff who may not be fully informed about the workings of the system. In such an atmosphere, maintaining discipline, order, and institutional focus requires more than routine administration—it demands patience, clarity of purpose, and steady leadership.
Dr. Ikharo has sought to provide exactly that. Known among colleagues for his methodical approach to public service administration, he has remained focused on ensuring that the Commission continues to function effectively despite the distractions created by internal disagreements and misinformation.
His journey within the National Assembly bureaucracy reflects years of dedication to institutional development.
Dr. Ikharo joined the National Assembly Service Commission in 2002 as an Assistant Chief Administrative Officer. Through diligence and professional commitment, he steadily rose through the ranks of the public service, eventually attaining the position of Director in 2017.
Dr Lucky Ikharo was among the pioneer staff members entrusted with the responsibility of coordinating the Commission’s Meeting Secretariat, a role he diligently handled for over nine years. In that capacity, he played a critical role in ensuring the smooth organization and documentation of the Commission’s high-level deliberations.
Following this period, Dr. Ikharo broadened his administrative horizon by serving in various departments within the Commission. These experiences exposed him to the diverse operational dynamics of the institution and helped shape his deep understanding of its administrative processes.
Dr. Ikharo serves as the Secretary to the Commission. His journey through different strategic units of the organisation has positioned him well for the role, affirming the popular saying that he is indeed a round peg in a round hole.
Over the years, he has held several strategic positions within the Commission. Between 2017 and 2019, he served as Director of Promotions, Discipline and Appeals, a role that placed him at the heart of staff management and administrative justice within the organisation. He later served as Director of Procurement and General Services from 2019 to 2020, overseeing critical operational and procurement processes of the Commission.
Beyond his administrative responsibilities, Dr. Ikharo is also a fellow of the Nigerian Institute of Training and Development (NITAD), reflecting his commitment to professional development and capacity building in public service.Observers say his leadership style is defined by calm engagement rather than confrontation. At a time when rumours and internal tensions threaten to distract the Commission from its statutory mandate, his stewardship has focused on maintaining stability, reinforcing administrative procedures, and ensuring that the institution continues to carry out its responsibilities to the legislature and the Nigerian public.
Indeed, leadership within public institutions often unfolds quietly, away from public applause. Yet it is precisely in such moments of internal turbulence that the character of a public administrator becomes most visible. For Dr. Lucky Ikharo, the challenge has been to keep the Commission steady, demonstrating that experience, patience, and commitment to institutional integrity remain essential pillars of effective public service leadership.
Leadership Amid Turbulence: The Stewardship of Dr. Lucky Ikharo at the National Assembly Service Commission
Troops repel attack on Forward Operating Base Azir in Damboa LGA, push back ISWAP terrorists
Troops arrest suspected kidnapper, recover AK-47 in Damaturu
Zamfara: Troops neutralise terrorist, recover arms in Shinkafi LGA
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