News
ECOWAS Court Declares Nigeria Guilty of Violating Rights of 26 Forced Evictees from Lagos, Rivers Communities
ECOWAS Court Declares Nigeria Guilty of Violating Rights of 26 Forced Evictees from Lagos, Rivers Communities
By: Michael Mike
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Court of Justice has found Nigeria guilty of violating the rights of 26 people forcibly evicted from various communities in Lagos and Rivers States,
The three-member panel of the Court Honourable Justice Ricardo Cláudio Monteiro Gonçalves (presiding judge), Honourable Justice Sengu Mohamed Koroma (judge rapporteur), and Honourable Justice Gberi-Bè Ouattara (Panel member) delivered judgment on Thursday in the case of Mr. Edwin Lenyie & 25 Ors. v. Federal Republic of Nigeria (Application No: ECW/CCJ/APP/34/17), ruling in favour of the 26 applicants forcibly evicted from various communities in Lagos and Rivers States, Nigeria for violation of Article 7 of the African Charter on Human and People’s Rights by the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
The case was brought by the applicants, who alleged that between 2004 and 2013, the Nigerian authorities forcefully evicted residents of several communities without prior notice, compensation, or alternative shelter, leaving thousands homeless. Despite initial hearings by the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) in 2014, the proceedings were suspended indefinitely, leaving the applicants without legal recourse.
In the judgment delivered by Justice Sengu Mohamed Koroma, Judge Rapporteur, the Court found that it had jurisdiction to hear the case and ruled that the applicants’ rights under Article 7 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR), which guarantees the right to a fair trial and access to justice, had been violated. The Court held that the Nigerian state failed in its duty to ensure access to legal remedies for the victims, as the NHRC hearings were never concluded, and no alternative means of redress were provided.
The Court dismissed the respondent’s objections, including its argument that the applicants should have pursued their claims in Nigerian courts. It further struck out the NHRC as a Respondent in the case, determining that the Nigerian state bears full responsibility for the actions of its agencies.
As a remedy for the rights violations, the Court awarded each of the twenty-six applicants compensation of N2 million to be paid by the Federal Republic of Nigeria. The Court emphasized that reparations serve as a means to restore justice rather than to punish the respondent.
ECOWAS Court Declares Nigeria Guilty of Violating Rights of 26 Forced Evictees from Lagos, Rivers Communities
Shooting Incident Linked to VIP Convoy Claims Life in Abuja
By Zagazola Makama
A shooting incident involving a VIP convoy has left one person dead and several others injured along the Bwari-Dutse Road on the evening of May 5, 2025.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the shooting occurred shortly after a fatal motor vehicle accident involving a Daf Trailer Truck, which had rammed into five tricycles.
According to eyewitnesses, a VIP convoy was passing through the traffic gridlock caused by the accident when personnel from the convoy began firing sporadically into the air, seemingly to clear the way.
During the chaotic exchange of gunfire, one stray bullet struck Timothy John, a passerby from Dutse Baupma, in the chest. He was rushed to Kubwa General Hospital but was later confirmed dead by medical personnel.
The shooting incident has raised serious concerns about the actions of the VIP convoy personnel, who have yet to be identified. It is unclear whether the gunfire was intentional or the result of reckless behavior while attempting to manage the traffic situation.
The motor accident itself occurred at about 6:50 p.m. when a Daf Trailer Truck, having failed its brakes, collided with several tricycles. Eight individuals were injured in the crash and were taken to Kubwa General Hospital for treatment. Two victims succumbed to their injuries. However, the gunfire from the VIP convoy has now taken center stage, overshadowing the initial accident.
Authorities are conducting an investigation into both the shooting and the crash. The body of the deceased passerby, Timothy John, has been recovered and taken to Kubwa General Hospital, where an autopsy will be performed.
The shooting has sparked widespread concern, with many questioning the level of security protocol and the actions of those involved in the convoy.
The investigation is ongoing.
Shooting Incident Linked to VIP Convoy Claims Life in Abuja
Banditry Attack in Tsafe LGA, Zamfara: Vigilante Killed, Vehicles Set Ablaze
By: Zagazola Makama
A violent banditry attack occurred in Keta town, Tsafe Local Government Area (LGA) of Zamfara State on April 6, 2025, leaving one vigilante member dead and several vehicles destroyed. The attack was carried out by a large group of armed bandits, allegedly led by the notorious bandit kingpin “Ado Alero.”
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama they the bandits, heavily armed with AK-47 rifles and other dangerous weapons, stormed the town around 11:00 a.m. Upon arrival, they opened fire indiscriminately, resulting in the death of one vigilante member who attempted to resist the attack.
In addition to the loss of life, the bandits set fire to nine golf motor vehicles parked in the town, causing significant damage.
The assailants withdrew from the area after encountering strong resistance, during which one of the bandits was reportedly shot and killed.
Banditry Attack in Tsafe LGA, Zamfara: Vigilante Killed, Vehicles Set Ablaze
Military
Military and Civilian Joint Task Force Ambushed by Armed Bandits, Two Bandits Killed, Several Injured
Military and Civilian Joint Task Force Ambushed by Armed Bandits, Two Bandits Killed, Several Injured
By: Zagazola Makama
A team from Operation Fansar Yamma (OPFY), alongside members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CPG), came under heavy gunfire on April 6, 2025, as they responded to a distress call along the Doka-Agama Lafia Road in Tsafe Local Government Area.
The military personnel and CPG members were ambushed by unknown armed bandits, resulting in a fierce gun battle.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that two armed bandits were shot dead during the engagement.
However, three military personnel and one CPG member sustained gunshot injuries. The injured victims were swiftly evacuated to the General Hospital Tsafe for medical treatment.
Military and Civilian Joint Task Force Ambushed by Armed Bandits, Two Bandits Killed, Several Injured
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