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ECOWAS COURT ORDERS NIGERIA TO COMPENSATE TORTURE VICTIM AND INVESTIGATE POLICE ABUSE
ECOWAS COURT ORDERS NIGERIA TO COMPENSATE TORTURE VICTIM AND INVESTIGATE POLICE ABUSE
By: Michael Mike
The ECOWAS Court of Justice has on 3 December 2024, delivered judgment in the case of Oluwatimilehin Adebayo v. Federal Republic of Nigeria (ECW/CCJ/APP/47/23), ordering the Federal Republic of Nigeria to pay ₦5 million in compensation to the Applicant for the violation of his right to freedom from torture.
The case arose from the brutal treatment of Mr. Oluwatimilehin Adebayo by police officers in Ogun State, who subjected him to severe physical abuse, including beating him with the handle of an axe and tying his limbs with chains to a pole.
This ordeal caused him physical injuries, including trauma to his scrotum, and left him suffering from significant psychological distress.
The Respondent challenged the jurisdiction of the Court arguing that the case was filed outside the three-year limitation period stipulated under the Court’s rules, rendering it statute-barred. It also argued that the Court lacks jurisdiction to hear the matter, arguing that it would involve reviewing a case that is either pending (sub judice) or already decided by a municipal court within the Respondent State.
In the Judgment delivered by Honourable Justice Dupe Atoki, the Judge Rapporteur, the Court ruled that these acts constituted torture, violating Article 5 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, to which Nigeria is a party.
The Court noted that the torture was intentional and aimed at coercing Mr. Adebayo into signing a pre-written statement. Consequently, it ordered the Federal Republic of Nigeria to pay ₦5 million in compensation to the Applicant for the violation of his right to freedom from torture.
It also ordered Nigeria to conduct a prompt, impartial, and effective investigation into the torture and prosecute those responsible.
However, the Court dismissed the claim that the applicant’s right to a remedy had been violated, noting that there was no evidence the Applicant had formally reported the abuse to relevant authorities.
Earlier, the Court dismissed Nigeria’s preliminary objections, affirming its jurisdiction to hear human rights cases, and ruled that the matter was admissible. It clarified that the statute of limitations under Article 9(3)(b) of the Court’s Protocol does not apply to human rights violations.
The three-member panel of the Court were Honourable Justice Sengu Mohamed Koroma (presiding judge), Honourable Justice Dupe Atoki, (judge rapporteur), and Honourable Justice Gberi-Bè Ouattara (Panel member
ECOWAS COURT ORDERS NIGERIA TO COMPENSATE TORTURE VICTIM AND INVESTIGATE POLICE ABUSE
Police repel bandits attack, rescue six victims in Katsina
By: Zagazola Makama
The Police Command in Katsina, in collaboration with the military and local vigilantes, has repelled a bandits’ attack in Malumfashi Local Government Area of the state.
Sources said that the incident occurred on Wednesday at about 1:20 a.m., when bandits stormed Lamuntani village in Goran Dansaka ward but were engaged in a gun battle by security operatives, forcing them to flee into the bush.
According to sources , six kidnapped victims were rescued unhurt. They include Aisha Rilwanu, 12; Zainab Mansir, 15; Munnir Sani, 19; Salamatu Umar, 19; Asmau Sani, 10; and Jamila Nasiru, 21.
The sources added that while escaping, the bandits attacked nearby Santan Kargo village, where they shot and injured three persons Yusuf Yushau, 30; Ismail Abubakar, 21; and Abdulmumin Sani,who were rushed to Malumfashi General Hospital for treatment.
The sources said two victims were still missing as security forces intensified search-and-rescue operations in the area.
Police repel bandits attack, rescue six victims in Katsina
Army recovers 164 rustled livestock in Zamfara, Sokoto
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation FANSAN YANMA (OPFY) have recovered 164 rustled animals during clearance operations in Zamfara and Sokoto States.
Sources disclosed this on Thursday, saying the recoveries followed ambushes against terrorists moving livestock across communities.
The sources told Zagazola the troops, working with vigilantes, engaged terrorists attempting to move rustled animals from Talata Mafara LGA to Anka axis of Zamfara, recovering 21 sheep.
“Similarly, troops of 8 Division in conjunction with Keystone forces repelled terrorists who attacked Garbe Kanni village in Tureta LGA, Sokoto. A total of 143 sheep were recovered and a terrorist camp destroyed,” the sources said.
The animals have since been handed over to the chairmen of Bakura and Tureta LGAs for onward return to their rightful owners.
Army recovers 164 rustled livestock in Zamfara, Sokoto
Troops arrest notorious cattle rustlers, recover arms in Plateau
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of 3 Division/Joint Task Force Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP) have arrested two notorious cattle rustlers and recovered arms and ammunition in Plateau State.
Sources told Zagazola Makama on Thursday in Jos that the operation followed credible intelligence on the activities of cattle rustlers in Kogul village, Mangu Local Government Area.
According to the sources, the troops raided the hideout of the suspects on Sept. 11 and arrested two of them. Items recovered include one AK-47 rifle, one AK-47 magazine, one fabricated revolver rifle, 10 rounds of 7.62mm (Special) ammunition, one mobile phone and cash.
“The arrested suspects and recovered items are in the custody of the troops for investigation. Follow-up operations are ongoing to apprehend other members of the criminal syndicate,” the sources said.
They added that the arrest was significant in curbing the menace of cattle rustling, which has often triggered crisis in Plateau and adjoining states.
Troops arrest notorious cattle rustlers, recover arms in Plateau
Police repel bandits attack, rescue six victims in Katsina
Army recovers 164 rustled livestock in Zamfara, Sokoto
Troops arrest notorious cattle rustlers, recover arms in Plateau
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