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ECOWAS Court Orders Sierra Leone to Repeal Loitering Laws Violating Human Rights
ECOWAS Court Orders Sierra Leone to Repeal Loitering Laws Violating Human Rights
By: Michael Mike
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Court of Justice, has on Thursday ordered Sierra Leone to amend, modify, or repeal its laws on loitering in public places to comply with the country’s obligations under Articles 1, 2, 3(1), and 12(1) of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.
A Sierra Leonean NGO, Advocaid Ltd, had filed an application with the Court on 12 April 2022 challenging certain provisions of Sierra Leone’s Public Order Act, Summary Conviction Offences Ordinance, and Criminal Procedure Act which authorise the police to arrest any person who is idle in a public place and cannot give a good account of himself or herself.
The Applicant contended that maintaining and enforcing these laws violate the principles of non-discrimination, equality before the law, and freedom of movement, particularly concerning impoverished and marginalized people.
In the Judgment delivered by Justice Edward Asante Amoako, the Judge Rapporteur, the Court found that the loitering laws perpetuate discrimination against economically disadvantaged individuals, violating the right to non-discrimination and equal protection under Articles 2 and 3(1) of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights. Additionally, the laws impose unwarranted restrictions on freedom of movement, contrary to Article 12(1) of the African Charter.
The Court also noted that vague terms in the loitering laws, such as “idle” and “disorderly,” create opportunities for arbitrary enforcement and do not meet standards of legality, necessity, and proportionality in a democratic society.
Accordingly, the ECOWAS Court ordered Sierra Leone to undertake legislative reforms to amend, modify, or repeal these loitering laws to comply with its human rights obligations under the African Charter.
The Court further directed each party to bear its own costs in the suit.
Also on the three-member panel were Honourable Justices Ricardo Cláudio Monteiro Gonçalves, presiding and Dupe Atoki, member.
ECOWAS Court Orders Sierra Leone to Repeal Loitering Laws Violating Human Rights
Security forces neutralise two notorious bandits in Benue clearance operation
By: Zagazola Makama
Security forced have neutralised two suspected notorious bandits during a clearance operation in Ukum Local Government Area of the state.
Sources told Zagazola that the operation followed credible intelligence received on Tuesday at about 1:00 p.m.
The report indicated that a criminal gang led by one Senen Hemen, also known as Orpa, was sighted along the pipeline axis between Gbeji and Igbongom communities in Ukum.
According to the sources, security forces were promptly mobilised to the location, where the gang engaged the operatives in a gun duel.
During the exchange, Hemen and another gang member identified as Mzungweve Ichur, both from Igbongom, were shot dead, while others fled the scene with gunshot injuries.
The sources confirmed that the corpses of the two suspects had been recovered and deposited at a private mortuary in Gbeji, while a manhunt had been launched in the surrounding bushes to track the fleeing accomplices.
The sources assured residents that the operation was part of ongoing efforts to rid Ukum and adjoining areas of violent criminal gangs.
Security forces neutralise two notorious bandits in Benue clearance operation
Gunmen abduct worshipper in Oyo community
By: Zagazola Makama
Gunmen have abducted a worshipper from a mosque in Gbonkan Village, Ipapo, Itesiwaju Local Government Area.
Sources said that the victim, identified as Amadu Usman, was kidnapped on Monday night while praying at the mosque alongside his elder brother, Adamu Usman.
The sources said seven armed men invaded the mosque at about 9 p.m. and whisked the victim away to an unknown destination.
The sources said that a joint team of security forces, Amotekun Corps, vigilantes and local hunters had since launched a search-and-rescue operation, combing surrounding bushes to track down the suspects and rescue the victim.
Gunmen abduct worshipper in Oyo community
Troops of Operation FANSAN YANMA repel bandit attack in Malumfashi, Katsina
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation FANSAN YANMA, in collaboration with the Police, Community Watch Corps and local vigilantes, have repelled a bandit attack in Malumfashi Local Government Area of Katsina State.
Sources said that the incident happened on Tuesday evening when armed bandits launched an attack on a hunters’ camp in Naalma village.
According to the sources, the troops and other security operatives responded swiftly to a distress call and engaged the bandits in a fierce gun battle, forcing them to withdraw.
“During the operation, Usman Lawal, 35, the Commander of the Hunters’ group, sustained fatal injuries. One of the bandits was neutralised while the rifle earlier seized from the hunters’ commander was recovered.
“Other fleeing bandits are suspected to have escaped with gunshot wounds. Troops are currently conducting cordon-and-search operations within the area,”said the sources.
Troops of Operation FANSAN YANMA repel bandit attack in Malumfashi, Katsina
Security forces neutralise two notorious bandits in Benue clearance operation
Gunmen abduct worshipper in Oyo community
Troops of Operation FANSAN YANMA repel bandit attack in Malumfashi, Katsina
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