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ECOWAS Court Dismisses Application by NGO Seeking Compensation for Families of Journalists Allegedly Murdered
ECOWAS Court Dismisses Application by NGO Seeking Compensation for Families of Journalists Allegedly Murdered
By: Michael Mike
The ECOWAS Court of Justice has dismissed a suit brought by a registered NGO, the Incorporated Trustees of Media Rights Agenda, requesting the Court to hold the Nigerian government liable for violation of the rights to life and freedom of expression of 11 journalists allegedly murdered at different times in the line of duty.
Justice Dupe Atoki, judge rapporteur who delivered the judgment on Tuesday in Abuja, upheld the preliminary objection of the Respondent, Federal Republic of Nigeria, that the NGO lacked legal capacity to file the suit on behalf of the 11 deceased journalists identified in their initiating application.
She also adjudged that the NGO was not in a position to demand compensation for identified victims while it claimed to be suing in the interest of the public. Both parties were ordered to bear their costs of litigation.
Incorporated Trustees of Media Rights Agenda through its lead counsel Mr. Darlington Onyekwere filed the case with suit number ECW/CCJ/APP/48/21 on 16 August 2021 alleging that the Nigerian government violated the rights to life and freedom of expression of the deceased journalists under the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR) and sought an order directing the payment of 10 Million Naira as compensation to each of the victims’ family.
He also asked the Court to hold the Nigerian government liable for its failure to carry out an effective investigation leading to the prosecution and punishment of the perpetrators the murders.
On their part, the Nigerian government raised a preliminary objection challenging the capacity of the NGO to bring the application before the Court since the NGO is neither a direct nor indirect victim of the rights allegedly violated. In addition, it argued that the NGO did not qualify to sue in a public interest capacity since the case was not one to which the “actio-popularis” (public interest action) principle was applicable.
In its judgment, the Court noted that while violations of freedom of expression particularly as it relates to journalists is matter of public interest, the application failed to fulfil the other conditions of admissibility and therefore declared the action inadmissible.
Also on the panel were Justices Gberi-Bè Ouattara, presiding, and Sengu Mohamed Koroma, member.
ECOWAS Court Dismisses Application by NGO Seeking Compensation for Families of Journalists Allegedly Murdered
Troops Arrest Suspected Military Impostor in Katsina
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of 17 Brigade have arrested a suspected military impostor during a fighting patrol in Malumfashi Local Government Area.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the suspect was apprehended at about 1:30 p.m. on July 4 by troops deployed at the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Malumfashi while conducting routine patrols within Malumfashi town.
According to the sources, the suspect was intercepted while wearing a woodland camouflage three-quarter short, raising suspicion among the troops.
A search conducted on the suspect led to the recovery of a fake Nigerian Army identity card, four Automated Teller Machine (ATM) cards, one woodland camouflage three-quarter short, a wristwatch and the sum of ₦17,000.
The suspect and the recovered exhibits are currently in military custody pending further investigation.
Military sources said the arrest forms part of ongoing efforts to curb impersonation of security personnel and other criminal activities within the area.
Troops Arrest Suspected Military Impostor in Katsina
Troops Recover 50 Rustled Cattle, Repel Suspected Rustlers in Kaduna
By Zagazola Makama
Troops deployed at the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Kankomi have recovered 50 rustled cattle after repelling suspected cattle rustlers during an ambush operation in Chikun Local Government Area.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the troops responded to a distress call at about 9:55 a.m. on July 4 over the activities of suspected rustlers at Ungwan Gontu community.
According to the sources, the troops swiftly laid an ambush and made contact with the fleeing suspects, forcing them to abandon the stolen livestock and escape into the surrounding area.
During the operation, the troops recovered 50 rustled cattle, which were subsequently identified and handed over to their rightful owner.
Military sources said efforts are ongoing to track down the fleeing suspects as security operations continue to combat cattle rustling and other criminal activities across Kaduna State.
Troops Recover 50 Rustled Cattle, Repel Suspected Rustlers in Kaduna
Troops Arrest Suspected Terrorist in Kogi, Suspect Confesses to Group Membership
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of 12 Brigade, in collaboration with Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) Hybrid Forces, have arrested a suspected terrorist during an operation in Lokoja Local Government Area.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the troops responded at about 1:00 p.m. on July 4 to reports of a confrontation between local residents and a suspected terrorist at a Ruga settlement behind Obajana community.
According to the sources, the troops swiftly intervened and arrested one suspect at the scene.
During preliminary interrogation, the suspect reportedly confessed to being a member of a terrorist group led by an individual identified as Haruna, which allegedly operates within the Okene general area.
The suspect is currently in military custody and is undergoing further investigation to establish the extent of his involvement and identify other members of the group.
Military sources said the arrest forms part of ongoing security operations aimed at dismantling terrorist and criminal networks across Kogi State.
Troops Arrest Suspected Terrorist in Kogi, Suspect Confesses to Group Membership
Troops Arrest Suspected Military Impostor in Katsina
Troops Recover 50 Rustled Cattle, Repel Suspected Rustlers in Kaduna
Troops Arrest Suspected Terrorist in Kogi, Suspect Confesses to Group Membership
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