National News
ECOWAS Court Orders Immediate Release of 14 Inmates Detained Since 2018 by Togolese Government

ECOWAS Court Orders Immediate Release of 14 Inmates Detained Since 2018 by Togolese Government
… Payment of 30 million CFA to each applicant
By: Michael Mike
The ECOWAS Court has ordered the Togolese Republic to release without delay M. Adam Latif and 13 other inmates who were arrested in December 2018 amid planned demonstrations and have been detained since then.
The Applicants accused the Togolese Republic of violation of their fundamental rights.
In the judgment delivered on November 30 by Justice Ricardo Claúdio Monteiro Gonçalves, judge rapporteur, the Court ordered the payment of 30 million francs CFA to each of the Applicants in compensation for the moral damage suffered due to the violation of their rights.
It held that the Respondent State violated the Applicants’ human right not to be subjected to torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment as well as their right not to be arbitrarily detained.
However, the West African Court declared the Respondent not responsible for the infringement to the presumption of innocence, as the Applicants’ allegations did not contain any argument consistent with the meaning of the right to the presumption of innocence.
In suit ECW/CCJ/APP/09/22, Adam Latif, along with 13 others, had lodged an application against the Togolese Republic, alleging violations of their rights to physical and mental integrity following their arrests by state security forces.
They asserted infringements of their rights against torture, cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment, and their rights to the presumption of innocence.
The Applicants had alleged that their arrests occurred amid planned demonstrations in December 2018, spurred by the Togolese authorities’ failure to implement the Global Political Agreement (GPA) – a reformative accord among the ruling party, the opposition, and civil society – and the recommendations of the Truth, Justice and Reconciliation Commission (CVJR).
Despite the non-occurrence of the demonstrations, they were apprehended, charged, and subsequently inflicted with the alleged acts for confessions. They argued that these incidents, coupled with the extensive pre-trial detention, compromised their presumption of innocence and depicted the judicial system’s utilization for political gains.
The Applicants informed the investigating judge of the alleged violations and stressed that an impartial investigation should have been conducted immediately, as per the United Nations Convention against Torture.
However, he dismissed their reports and their request for provisional release were systematically rejected, even after interventions of the Court of Appeal.
They told the Court that they sought the intervention of the Minister of Justice and the Head of State to no avail, and that they were held in detention for political reasons.
The 14 detainees prayed ECOWAS Court to order their immediate release and to mandate the Togolese Republic to carry out effective investigations to enable them initiate prosecutions against the alleged perpetrators of the violations. They also asked for 250 million FCFA each in compensation for the endured sufferings resulting from the alleged torture, arbitrary detention, and infringement of their rights to the presumption of innocence.
At its 25 September 2023 session, the Court had dismissed the Togolese Republic’s defense submitted after a year in disregard of article 35 of the Rule of Procedure of the Court which requires that defenses must be lodged within one month after the service of the application.
In its analysis, on the alleged violation of the right to physical and mental integrity and the right not to be subjected to acts of torture or to cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment, the Court considered that the Respondent failed to fulfill its obligations under Article 1 of the African Charter and Article 2 of the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment, to protect the Applicants against abuses resulting from the actions of its agents, since ‘it has not demonstrated that it adopted adequate measures to guarantee an independent and effective investigation into the complaint filed by the Applicants.
Also, in the absence of any evidence presented by the Respondent to justify that the Applicants’ arrests were in accordance with national or international law, the Court held that the Respondent violated the applicants’ right not to be arbitrarily detained.
Also in the three-member panel were Justices Edward Amoako Asante, Presiding, and Gbéri-bè Ouattara, Member.
ECOWAS Court Orders Immediate Release of 14 Inmates Detained Since 2018 by Togolese Government
National News
New Solar farm in FUL is ultimate solution to energy crisis in school campus – Prof Akinwumi

New Solar farm in FUL is ultimate solution to energy crisis in school campus – Prof Akinwumi
By our reporter
The Vice Chancellor Federal University Lokoja (FUL) Prof Olayemi Akinwumi has described the African Development Bank (ADB) Solar Panel farm project built at the university as a permanent solution to energy crisis in the school campus.
Prof Akinwumi made this known during a project inspection tour which was part of activities lined up for the 9th Convocation of the university scheduled for Saturday this week.
According to the VC, FUL had embarked on a major project constructing a 1.72 Megawatt Solar Hybrid Project worth $200 million as a way of cushioning it’s electricity needs.
“The project, assisted by the African Development Bank (AfDB) and World Bank under the Energising Education programme, is a significant step towards sustainable energy.
“The Solar Panel farm itself is a solution to the energy requirements of the institution that will certainly put an end to energy needs at our campuses and hostels.
The VC who took journalists on tour of project sites after the pre-convocation press conference noted that the landmark project is a testament to the university’s commitment to environmental responsibility and operational self-reliance.
He said, “the 1.72 Megawatt solar power system, will enable the university to generate surplus electricity and achieve energy self-sufficiency, and benefit students and staff for generations to come.
“The solar power project is part of the University’s efforts to promote innovation and sustainability. The project will not only reduce the University’s reliance on public electricity but also provide a clean and renewable source of energy.
Speaking at the site of the multi-millions naira project during a media facility tour, Consultant of the project Engineer Ahmed, said the project which started two years ago is almost completed.
He hinted that the project consists of a workshop and training centre which will be used to train students in renewed energy technology.
Engineer Ahmed assured that the 1.7 megawatts solar farm will diffidently power the entire Felele campus of the University.
“We are training staff of the University who will take over the routine maintenance of the project so that it will serve the institution better” he said.
New Solar farm in FUL is ultimate solution to energy crisis in school campus – Prof Akinwumi
National News
Aisha Babangida, FIRS boss, Shagaya, others to headline WenA’s 5th Annual Conference on Tax Reforms, Cost Reduction for SME Growth

Aisha Babangida, FIRS boss, Shagaya, others to headline WenA’s 5th Annual Conference on Tax Reforms, Cost Reduction for SME Growth
By: Michael Mike
Top policy influencers, business leaders, development partners, and women entrepreneurs from across Nigeria will gathered in Abuja as the Women Enterprise Alliance (WenA) is set to host its 5th Annual Conference
The conference, with the theme “Translating Policy into Practice: Cost-Reduction and Tax Reforms for Sustainable SME Growth,” is scheduled for Thursday, 16th October 2025, at the Diamond Hall, A-Class Event Centre, Wuse II, Abuja.
This year’s edition underscores WenA’s commitment to empowering Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), particularly women-led businesses, by addressing critical barriers such as high operational costs and complex tax regimes.
The event will feature key policy discussions, expert panels, and collaborative sessions designed to translate government policies into actionable strategies for sustainable business growth.
At the centre of this initiative is Her Excellency Aisha Babangida, Founder of WenA, whose leadership and advocacy for women’s economic empowerment have positioned her as a reference point in Nigeria’s entrepreneurial space.
Speaking ahead of the conference, Ms Babangida stated, “At WenA, we believe that empowering SMEs, especially women-led enterprises, means empowering Nigeria’s future.
“This conference is not just a gathering; it is a call to action for stakeholders across sectors to translate policy into tangible, impactful change.”
Among the confirmed speakers are Ms Chayla Shagaya, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Entrepreneurship, who will deliver a keynote address on scaling SMEs through cost-reduction reforms, and the Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), who is expected to present critical fiscal reforms aimed at creating a more supportive tax environment for SMEs.
The conference will also feature a strategic policy roadmap presentation developed by WenA in partnership with UN Women. This document outlines practical recommendations to address the pressing challenges facing SMEs, particularly in taxation and regulatory compliance.
A high-level panel discussion will include insights from Dr Fausat Aleshinloye, Economist and Policy Analyst; Ifeoma Malo, CEO of Clean Tech Hub; Mrs Nnenna Jacob-Ogogo of SheVentures (FCMB); and representatives from Nigeria’s energy sector. The conversation will be moderated by Dr Dahiru Sani.
A dedicated session will focus on simplifying Nigeria’s tax regime, with emphasis on harmonisation, ease of compliance, and improved transparency to reduce the burden on small businesses. Participants will also benefit from extensive networking opportunities, with stakeholders from government, finance, energy, and development sectors expected to attend.
As part of recognising excellence in the SME ecosystem, the conference will celebrate standout entrepreneurs and initiatives. Awards will include the prestigious “Most Scalable Business in North-Central Nigeria” and certificates of excellence for innovation and community impact.
Aisha Babangida, FIRS boss, Shagaya, others to headline WenA’s 5th Annual Conference on Tax Reforms, Cost Reduction for SME Growth
National News
GIZ Launches Peacecore Project in Taraba,Trains Thirty Journalists on Conflict-Sensitive Reporting

GIZ Launches Peacecore Project in Taraba,Trains Thirty Journalists on Conflict-Sensitive Reporting
By: Michael Mike
The German Development Cooperation (GIZ) has launched a new initiative, “PeaceCORE,” in Taraba State as part of
strategic effort to foster peacebuilding and strengthen conflict-sensitive journalism in some states in the North.
The programme aims to equip media professionals with the tools and knowledge to promote peaceful coexistence in conflict-prone communities.
The PeaceCORE project, formally titled “Strengthening Capacities for Conflict Transformation and Livelihood for Groups in Vulnerable Situations in Nigeria’s Central Zone,” is being implemented in Taraba, Kaduna, and Plateau states, and focuses on enhancing the capacity of government and civil society actors to manage conflict through sustainable dialogue, accurate information dissemination, and inclusive engagement.
As part of the initiative, GIZ hosted an intensive three-day training from October 6 to October 8, 2025, in Jalingo, bringing together 30 journalists from radio, television, print, and digital media platforms.
The training emphasized responsible and ethical reporting in times of conflict, and provided participants with hands-on experience using fact-checking tools while addressing the growing challenges of misinformation, disinformation, and malinformation in Nigeria’s volatile media landscape.
Facilitators at the workshop include: Silas Jonathan from the Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development (CJID) in Nigeria; Jérôme William Bationo, a conflict media specialist with MiCT in Germany; and Oluwole Oladipo Olurishe, a media development expert with GIZ.
The trio delivered sessions that blended theoretical frameworks with practical tools to enhance journalistic objectivity and sensitivity in reporting conflicts.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, the Chairman of the Taraba State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Mr. Mathew Eliud Jen, commended GIZ for its commitment to sustainable peace through media engagement. He urged participants to apply the knowledge gained to drive narratives that promote unity and discourage incitement.
“This training is a timely intervention. As journalists, we have the power to shape public perception. Let’s use our platforms to build peace, not stoke division,” Jen emphasized.
The PeaceCORE project is expected to roll out a series of media-for-peace initiatives across the state in the coming months, reinforcing GIZ’s broader objective of stabilizing conflict-affected regions through inclusive communication strategies and livelihood support.
With increasing political, ethnic, and resource-based tensions in parts of the country, stakeholders believe empowering thev media with conflict transformation tools is a crucial step toward lasting peace and sustainable development in Nigeria.
GIZ Launches Peacecore Project in Taraba,Trains Thirty Journalists on Conflict-Sensitive Reporting
-
News2 years ago
Roger Federer’s Shock as DNA Results Reveal Myla and Charlene Are Not His Biological Children
-
Opinions4 years ago
THE PLIGHT OF FARIDA
-
Opinions4 years ago
POLICE CHARGE ROOMS, A MINTING PRESS
-
News2 years ago
EYN: Rev. Billi, Distortion of History, and The Living Tamarind Tree
-
ACADEMICS2 years ago
A History of Biu” (2015) and The Lingering Bura-Pabir Question (1)
-
Columns2 years ago
Army University Biu: There is certain interest, but certainly not from Borno.
-
News6 months ago
FAILED COUP IN BURKINA FASO: HOW TRAORÉ NARROWLY ESCAPED ASSASSINATION PLOT AMID FOREIGN INTERFERENCE CLAIMS
-
Opinions2 years ago
Tinubu,Shettima: The epidemic of economic, insecurity in Nigeria