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ECOWAS Court Orders Guinea to Pay Compensation for Violation of Citizen’s Right of Life and Integrity
ECOWAS Court Orders Guinea to Pay Compensation for Violation of Citizen’s Right of Life and Integrity
By: Michael Mike
The ECOWAS Court of justice has ordered the State of Guinea to pay 269,000,000 Guinean Francs as compensation for emotional harm for the violation of the right to life and integrity to the Applicant whose son was fatally injured during a protest in Labe in Guinea.
The Court also ordered that the Respondent pays the Applicant 44.000, 000 as damages in the same currency.
Hon. Justice Sengu Mohamed Koroma, Judge Rapporteur, delivered the judgment on Monday on behalf of the Panel which held that the Respondent had violated the fundamental right of the Applicant under the African Charter on Human and People’s Rights and other fundamental human rights treaties.
The Applicant, Mamadou Mouctar Balde, had filed a claim before the Court alleging the violation of his son Amadou Balde’s right to life. He averred that the son died from a fatal injury sustained during a riot at the University of Labe, where the Respondent’s agents were maintaining law and order. The Applicant asserted that the Respondent acknowledged the death of his son but failed to fulfill its obligations under international law. In view of these claims, Applicant sought for a declaration of violation under Article 4 of the ACHPR, along with monetary compensation and costs.
The Respondent acknowledged that the death of the Applicant’s son but denied responsibility, claiming its agents had a lawful mandate. It averred that an investigation was initiated and prosecution followed but was halted after a fire incident at the Court of First Instance in Labé, destroying case documents. The Respondent argued that it has made efforts to reconstruct the file since this incidence. It contended that it has not violated the Applicant’s human rights and requested that the Court declare the application inadmissible in form, and on the merit, dismiss the claim for lack of evidence.
It prayed for costs in cause.
The Court cited that the issue of a death was not contended rather the contention was whether a violation had occurred and the responsibility of the Respondent in this instance. The Court emphazed that states have a duty to safeguard the right to life during protests. Consequently, it concluded that Amadou Balde’s death in the Labe protest constitutes a violation under Article 4 of the African Charter on Human and People Rights.
The Court also found that the Respondent’s claim of lack of documents to continue the trial after the fire incident unacceptable, as there is no evidence supporting this assertion. The Court held that, based on the available facts and evidence, the Respondent failed in its obligation under Article 1 of the African Charter on Human and People Rights. This is due to the fact that the act of the violation of the right to life is attributable to the Respondent.
The Court therefore made orders that the Respondent pays Two Hundred and Sixty-Nine Million Guinean Francs (269,000,000 GNF) as compensation for emotional harm and Forty- Four Million Guinean Francs (44,000,000 GNF) as damages to the Applicant.
The Panel also consisted of Hon. Justice Gbéri-bè Ouattara, presiding and Dupe Atoki (Member).
ECOWAS Court Orders Guinea to Pay Compensation for Violation of Citizen’s Right of Life and Integrity
IPCR Sees Lent, Ramadan Overlap as Call for National Healing
By: Michael Mike
As Christians begin Lent and Muslims commence Ramadan, the Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR) has urged Nigerians to use the rare overlap of the two sacred seasons to strengthen unity and reject divisive tendencies.
In a statement released on February 18, 2026, the institute described the simultaneous observance as more than a calendar coincidence, calling it a powerful symbol of shared values and collective responsibility in a nation grappling with insecurity and social strain.
IPCR said both seasons—marked by fasting, prayer and reflection—offer an opportunity for citizens to look beyond religious differences and recommit to peaceful coexistence. It stressed that the moral lessons of compassion, self-restraint and generosity embedded in Lent and Ramadan should translate into everyday interactions among Nigerians.
The institute warned against extremist narratives that distort religious teachings for narrow interests, noting that such interpretations undermine national stability. Instead, it encouraged faith leaders and communities to amplify messages that promote tolerance, dialogue and mutual respect.
According to the institute, true spirituality is measured not only by acts of worship but also by how individuals treat neighbours of different beliefs. It added that Nigeria’s diversity should be seen as a strength capable of fostering resilience rather than division.
“With both faiths engaged in solemn reflection at the same time, Nigerians are presented with a timely reminder that we share a common humanity and destiny,” the statement noted, urging citizens to work together toward a more peaceful and prosperous society.
The Director-General of IPCR, Dr. Joseph Ochogwu, who signed the statement, extended goodwill wishes to Christians and Muslims, expressing hope that the sacred period would inspire reconciliation, understanding and renewed commitment to national unity.
IPCR Sees Lent, Ramadan Overlap as Call for National Healing
Operative dies in accidental discharge in Niger
By: Zagazola Makama
An operative attached to a security unit in Niger State has died following an accidental discharge of a rifle at his duty post in Shiroro Local Government Area.
Sources said the incident occurred at about 10:00 p.m. on Feb. 16 when the operative, identified as Abubakar Iliya, 35, who was attached to a special hunters unit stationed at Galadiman-Kogo, reportedly fell from a sentry post.
During the fall, his cocked rifle disengaged and discharged, striking him in the abdomen and causing fatal injuries.
His remains were later evacuated by his unit for burial in accordance with customary rites.
Operative dies in accidental discharge in Niger
Boat mishap leaves passengers missing in Niger
By: Zagazola Makama
A canoe conveying seven passengers capsized while in transit between Jata and Kami Village in Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State, leaving several persons missing.
Sources said the incident occurred at about 7:00 p.m. on Feb. 16 when the canoe, carrying six females and one male passenger, overturned during the journey.
The passengers were identified as Mustapher Yakubu; Sahura Yakubu and her child; Zarifa Yakubu; Mommy Yakubu; Lizatu Yakubu; Zaratu Yusuf; and Sumaiya Ibrahim, all from Jata/Bmagara via Kami Village.
Rescue teams, including police and local divers, were immediately mobilised to the scene. The boat driver and his conductor were rescued alive, while search efforts are ongoing to locate the remaining passengers.
Authorities said further updates would be provided as rescue operations continue.
Boat mishap leaves passengers missing in Niger
Lent and Ramadan Tribute: To the Jagaban of Burgu and the Jagoran Arewa
IPCR Sees Lent, Ramadan Overlap as Call for National Healing
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