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ECOWAS COURT DELIVERS JUDGMENT IN MELVILLE ROBERTS V THE GAMBIA CASE, UPHOLDS CITIZEN’S RIGHT TO WORK
ECOWAS COURT DELIVERS JUDGMENT IN MELVILLE ROBERTS V THE GAMBIA CASE, UPHOLDS CITIZEN’S RIGHT TO WORK
By: Michael Mike
The Community Court of Justice, ECOWAS on 3 December 2024 upheld the right to work of a Gambian lawyer and diplomat Mr Melville Roberts but dismissed his claims regarding violations of his rights to presumption of innocence, fair trial, and human dignity including freedom from mental torture.
In the initiating application with suit number ECW/CCJ/APP/65/21 the Applicant, Mr Roberts, through his lawyers Messrs Femi Falana and Marshal Abubakar alleged that he was subjected to smears and a “media trial” following accusations of rape by women with whom he had prior relationships. He contended that the smear campaign and media trial by state and non-state actors, and his suspension from the Gambian Foreign Service violated his rights to presumption of innocence, fair trial, work, and freedom from mental torture.
The lawyers for Mr Roberts filed for default judgment after the Respondent, The Gambia, failed to respond to the Application within the stipulated time under the Rules of the Court.
In its findings, the Court noted that statements made by an alleged government official on his private social media account condemning rape and calling for an investigation into the allegations cannot be attributed to The Gambia. The Court concluded that “the Applicant’s claim that the Respondent violated his rights to a fair trial, dignity and freedom from torture or degrading treatment through a media trial is not well founded as the said media trial cannot be attributed to the Respondent.”
On the alleged violation of his rights to presumption of innocence, equality and work, the Court held that Mr Roberts’ suspension during the investigation into the rape allegations was a standard administrative practice and did not amount to a violation of his rights. However, the Court found that the prolonged delay of about four years by the state in acting on the Investigation Report violated his right to work as it hindered his ability to earn a living. It therefore ordered The Gambia to pay 10,000 USD in the equivalent of its local currency as compensation for the violation of the Applicant’s right to work. The Court also ordered The Gambia to take a definitive action on the prolonged criminal investigations of the Applicant, either by initiating prosecution or formally discontinuing the criminal processes against him.
Both parties were directed to bear their own legal costs.
The panel of the Court that heard the case were Honourable Justices Ricardo Cláudio Monteiro Goncalves (presiding), Dupe Atoki (panel member) and Edward Asante (judge rapporteur).
Security forces neutralise two notorious bandits in Benue clearance operation
By: Zagazola Makama
Security forced have neutralised two suspected notorious bandits during a clearance operation in Ukum Local Government Area of the state.
Sources told Zagazola that the operation followed credible intelligence received on Tuesday at about 1:00 p.m.
The report indicated that a criminal gang led by one Senen Hemen, also known as Orpa, was sighted along the pipeline axis between Gbeji and Igbongom communities in Ukum.
According to the sources, security forces were promptly mobilised to the location, where the gang engaged the operatives in a gun duel.
During the exchange, Hemen and another gang member identified as Mzungweve Ichur, both from Igbongom, were shot dead, while others fled the scene with gunshot injuries.
The sources confirmed that the corpses of the two suspects had been recovered and deposited at a private mortuary in Gbeji, while a manhunt had been launched in the surrounding bushes to track the fleeing accomplices.
The sources assured residents that the operation was part of ongoing efforts to rid Ukum and adjoining areas of violent criminal gangs.
Security forces neutralise two notorious bandits in Benue clearance operation
Gunmen abduct worshipper in Oyo community
By: Zagazola Makama
Gunmen have abducted a worshipper from a mosque in Gbonkan Village, Ipapo, Itesiwaju Local Government Area.
Sources said that the victim, identified as Amadu Usman, was kidnapped on Monday night while praying at the mosque alongside his elder brother, Adamu Usman.
The sources said seven armed men invaded the mosque at about 9 p.m. and whisked the victim away to an unknown destination.
The sources said that a joint team of security forces, Amotekun Corps, vigilantes and local hunters had since launched a search-and-rescue operation, combing surrounding bushes to track down the suspects and rescue the victim.
Gunmen abduct worshipper in Oyo community
Troops of Operation FANSAN YANMA repel bandit attack in Malumfashi, Katsina
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation FANSAN YANMA, in collaboration with the Police, Community Watch Corps and local vigilantes, have repelled a bandit attack in Malumfashi Local Government Area of Katsina State.
Sources said that the incident happened on Tuesday evening when armed bandits launched an attack on a hunters’ camp in Naalma village.
According to the sources, the troops and other security operatives responded swiftly to a distress call and engaged the bandits in a fierce gun battle, forcing them to withdraw.
“During the operation, Usman Lawal, 35, the Commander of the Hunters’ group, sustained fatal injuries. One of the bandits was neutralised while the rifle earlier seized from the hunters’ commander was recovered.
“Other fleeing bandits are suspected to have escaped with gunshot wounds. Troops are currently conducting cordon-and-search operations within the area,”said the sources.
Troops of Operation FANSAN YANMA repel bandit attack in Malumfashi, Katsina
Security forces neutralise two notorious bandits in Benue clearance operation
Gunmen abduct worshipper in Oyo community
Troops of Operation FANSAN YANMA repel bandit attack in Malumfashi, Katsina
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