News
ECOWAS Court Dismisses Objection by Nigeria against Hearing Case of Violation of Rights of Nigerian Inmate on Death Row for 30 Years

ECOWAS Court Dismisses Objection by Nigeria against Hearing Case of Violation of Rights of Nigerian Inmate on Death Row for 30 Years
By: Michael Mike
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Court of Justice, has dismissed all objections raised by the Federal Republic of Nigeria challenging the Court’s jurisdiction and the admissibility of a case alleging the violations of the human rights of Mr Vincent Ogueri, a Nigerian man on death row.
The ruling delivered on Thursday by the Judge Rapporteur, Justice Edward Amoako Asante, paved the way for Mr Ogueri’s case to proceed for hearing of the substantive matter.
The case ECW/CCJ/APP/13/21 was brought by two non-governmental organisations (NGOs) registered in Nigeria – the Incorporated Trustees of Centre for Peace and Conflict Management in Africa, and Rethink Africa Foundation, on behalf of Mr Vincent Ogueri, a 72-year-old inmate in a Nigerian maximum-security prison.
The two NGOs which described themselves at the first Applicants in the case claim that the second Applicant, Mr Ogueri’s long incarceration under inhuman and degrading conditions has caused his health to significantly deteriorate. They sought the immediate release of Mr Ogueri who has spent nearly 30 years on death row, and the payment of a N55 million compensation to him.
Relying on provisions of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, the NGOs alleged that Mr. Ogueri has been subjected to extreme mental torture and degrading treatment in violation of his rights under the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.
On their part, the Respondent, Federal Republic of Nigeria, raised several objections arguing that the Court lacked jurisdiction and that the case was inadmissible for various reasons including a claim that the case was statute-barred. The Respondent also argued that the Court was not an appellate court and therefore lacked the mandate to overrule Mr Ogueri’s original conviction.
In its findings, the Court noted that it had jurisdiction over the matter as the case raises allegations of human rights violations which fall under its purview according to Article 9(4) of the Court’s Protocol.
Furthermore, it rejected Nigeria’s assertion that the case was statute-barred, clarifying that the three-year limitation in Article 9(3) of the Court’s Protocol applies only to cases of extra-contractual liability involving the ECOWAS Community itself, not human rights claims against Member States.
In addition, the Court reaffirmed it was not an appellate court to review national court decisions. However, the Court stated that it had jurisdiction to determine whether the alleged treatment of Mr. Ogueri while in prison breached Nigeria’s international obligations under the African Charter.
Further, the Court ruled that the NGOs, Centre for Peace and Conflict Management in Africa, and Rethink Africa Foundation, lacked the legal capacity to bring the case before the Court, as they failed to demonstrate sufficient connection or representational authority to act on Mr Ogueri’s behalf. Consequently, the NGOs were struck off the case, leaving Mr. Ogueri as the sole Applicant.
Following this ruling, the Court will proceed to hear the substantive case concerning Mr Ogueri’s claims of inhuman and degrading treatment in violation of his fundamental rights.
Also on the panel were Justice Ricardo Cláudio Monteiro Gonçalves (presiding) and Justice Dupe Atoki (member).
This Decision marks a significant step in the Community Court of Justice, ECOWAS’ role in upholding human rights standards and addressing alleged human rights violations within its Member States.
ECOWAS Court Dismisses Objection by Nigeria against Hearing Case of Violation of Rights of Nigerian Inmate on Death Row for 30 Years
Crime
Troops neutralise three terrorist kingpins in Sokoto ambush

Troops neutralise three terrorist kingpins in Sokoto ambush
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA (OPFY) have neutralised three notorious terrorist kingpins during a successful ambush operation in Sabon Birni Local Government Area (LGA) of Sokoto State.
Zagazola Makama report that the operation was conducted on July 25 between Mallamawa and Mazau villages in the Tsamaye/Mai Lalle District of the LGA.
During the operation, the troops neutralised the terrorists identified as Kachalla Nagomma, Gurmu and Ali Yar Daribiyar, and recovered three AK-47 rifles with magazines and a motorcycle.

Sources told Zagazola that the terrorists and their foot soldiers were in the area to collect ransom and illegal levies imposed on residents when they were ambushed by the troops.
The source said the operation has triggered widespread relief and jubilation among residents of Mai Lalle, Tsamaye, Rimaye and nearby communities across Sabon Birni and Goronyo LGAs.
“These terrorists have long tormented the communities with killings, kidnappings and extortion, so this success is a huge morale boost for the people,” the source added.
The troops have continued to intensify kinetic and non-kinetic efforts in synergy with other security agencies and local vigilante groups.
The military has urged members of the public to continue providing credible and timely information to assist the troops in sustaining momentum against criminal elements.
Troops neutralise three terrorist kingpins in Sokoto ambush
News
Amnesty International must stop defending dangerous falsehoods in the name of free speech

Amnesty International must stop defending dangerous falsehoods in the name of free speech
By: Zagazola Makama
Once again, Amnesty International has taken a predictable but deeply troubling stance, this time, condemning the lawful detention of a social media influencer, Ghali Isma’il, who is facing charges over a false and provocative video announcing the death of Nigeria’s sitting President. In its hasty and one-sided statement, Amnesty labeled the Department of State Services’ (DSS) action as “a clear demonstration of abuse of power.” This knee-jerk condemnation reeks not only of bias but of a dangerous disregard for the responsibility that comes with free speech.
It’s important to remember that the Nigerian authorities are acting within the bounds of the law. Ghali Isma’il appeared before a competent magistrate and is being tried for spreading false information an issue of concern to public safety and stability. The viral video claiming the President’s death by poisoning, however unfounded and provocative, point to the need for responsible speech, especially in a period when misinformation can quickly escalate tensions or cause panic.
Let’s be clear: no one is above the law. Isma’il was not whisked away to a secret cell. He was arraigned before a competent magistrate court in Abuja and is being tried according to the laws of the land. The charges spreading false information with intent to cause public alarm and inciting disaffection against the government are not political fabrications.
They are legitimate concerns, especially when tied to a video falsely claiming that President Bola Tinubu had died after being poisoned, and presented with an air of certainty that could spark panic in a country already battling complex security and economic challenges.
If this is what Amnesty International classifies as “freedom of expression,” then the organization must clarify where it draws the line between speech and sabotage. Are we now to accept that individuals can publish death hoaxes about national leaders and peddle wild, fabricated conspiracy theories under the guise of digital activism? Would Amnesty extend this same compassion if the target were a leader in Europe or America?
Is it truly free speech when falsehoods threaten public order or incite unrest? Would Amnesty International hold the same stance if similar misinformation targeted leaders in other parts of the world? These are complex issues with no easy answers, but it is crucial that we weigh the right to expression against the potential harm caused by reckless or deliberately false content.
Let us also not forget that this is not Ghali Isma’il’s first brush with dangerous disinformation. He has repeatedly posted bizarre claims including that former U.S. President Donald Trump was compelling Nigeria to repatriate terrorists into the country and quoting the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tugger, who never mentioned such in his interview. Yusuf said they are ex- convict from Venezuela but Ismail, said they are “Terrorists” . When does free speech become reckless speech? When does falsehood become a threat to national peace and cohesion? This calls for a measured discussion on when speech crosses into dangerous territory especially when it influences public perception and stability.
Moreover, one must ask: where was Amnesty International when ISWAP terrorists released gruesome videos of mass executions? Where was Amnesty when bandits kidnapped and murdered citizens or when IPOB loyalists torched police stations and killed security personnel? The silence or muted response from Amnesty International in those cases raises questions about consistency and priorities. Their silence in the face of these atrocities is deafening. Yet, whenever the Nigerian state acts to preserve order and prevent chaos, Amnesty rushes in with a press release always siding with the provocateur.
Ultimately, the right to free speech must be exercised responsibly. Supporting lawful limits when speech could threaten national peace isn’t a contradiction to human rights but a recognition of their importance in a complex society.
Amnesty International faces an important question: will it stand as a defender of genuine human rights and democratic stability, or does it risk becoming a platform that inadvertently enables disinformation that jeopardizes it?
This double standard is becoming increasingly apparent to Nigerians. The right to free speech must be protected, yes but it must also be exercised with responsibility. Defending lies that threaten national unity under the cloak of human rights advocacy is not activism; it is sabotage.
Amnesty International must decide: is it here to protect Nigeria’s democracy or to shield those who exploit social media to endanger it?
Zagazola Makama is a Counter Insurgency Expert and Security Analyst in the Lake Chad Region
Amnesty International must stop defending dangerous falsehoods in the name of free speech
News
Abuja property mogul raises alarm over FCTA’s MoU with developers

Abuja property mogul raises alarm over FCTA’s MoU with developers
By: Michael Mike
Managing Director, Abuja Technology Village Free Zone Company Limited, Yohana Dyelkop has raised an alarm over a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) purportedly signed by the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) and some property developers.
The businessman, who expressed this concern at a news conference on Saturday in Abuja, said he was worried by media reports about the said land development MoU.
He said media reports recently indicated that the Ministry of the Federal Capital Territory had sealed an agreement with some local and foreign investors to develop 200 hectares of land in the Abuja Technology Village.
According to him, the reports specifically allege that the MoU has purportedly been signed between FCTA and two organisations, Mag International Links Limited and the National Agency for Science and Technology (NASENI).
Dyelkop said that government’s genuine efforts to attract foreign investment, especially property developers, was commendable but it was expedient to clarify that Abuja Technology Village has numerous plots across various districts.
He warned that his properties: Plots 22 and 23, C17 Industrial Area 2, Pyakasa Village, Airport Road, are located within the area earmarked for the allocation.
“Unless the MoU explicitly excludes these plots, any agreement covering them would be unlawful,” he stressed.
Dyelkop warned that the prospective developers should steer clear of his land as they are subjects of ongoing litigation, adding that cases of land grabbing and encroachment were rampant in the FCT.
According to him, his company has officially written to the parties involved expressing its concern about the MoU, warning them and the prospective investors to steer clear of his properties and avoid possible contempt of court.
“We are concerned about news reports regarding an MoU between the entities and the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) for the purpose of land development.
“Specifically, Plots 22 and 23, C17 Industrial Area 2, Pyakasa Village, Airport Road, are subject to ongoing litigation, with the Hon. Minister as a defendant.
“All parties have been served with a court order, and unless the MoU explicitly excludes these plots, any agreement covering them would be unlawful,” he added.
The real estate mogul, who is also the National Chairman of a political group, “Better Opportunities With Tinubu (BOWT) 2027, called for caution and respect for the rule of law to avoid denting President Bola Tinubu’s image.
Abuja property mogul raises alarm over FCTA’s MoU with developers
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