News
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
Troops Repel Bandit Attack, Rescue Lower Sharia Court Judge in Katsina State
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops have successfully repelled a bandit attack in Mahuta Village, Dandume Local Government Area (LGA), Katsina State, and rescued a prominent local judge, Mr. Rabiu Tukur, following the abduction of six residents on April 8, 2025.
Zagazola Makama informed by security sources that three attack occurred around 11:55 p.m. when armed bandits stormed the village, kidnapping six individuals, including Mr. Tukur, a 49-year-old judge with the Lower Sharia Court, Dandume.
The troops engaged the bandits in a fierce confrontation, successfully rescuing Mr. Tukur without any harm.
Efforts to locate and rescue the remaining five victims are ongoing, with security forces intensifying search and rescue operations in the surrounding areas.
Troops Repel Bandit Attack, Rescue Lower Sharia Court Judge in Katsina State
News
Clash Between Commuters and Customs Officers Leads to Accident and Mob Violence in Maiadua, Kastina
Clash Between Commuters and Customs Officers Leads to Accident and Mob Violence in Maiadua, Kastina
By: Zagazola Makama
A clash between a Customs patrol team and commuters resulted in a serious accident at Koza Village, Maiadua Local Government Area (LGA), on April 8, 2025, at around 8:35 p.m.
Sources told Zagazola Makama that the Customs team was in pursuit of a commuter vehicle when the incident occurred.
In the aftermath, an angry mob set fire to the Customs camp in retaliation for the accident. The situation escalated, but the Division Police Officer (DPO) quickly mobilized police personnel to the scene to restore order.
As of now, the situation has been brought under control, and an investigation is underway to ascertain the details surrounding the incident.
Clash Between Commuters and Customs Officers Leads to Accident and Mob Violence in Maiadua, Kastina
Bandit Attack Foiled in Musawa LGA Kastina As Nine Kidnapped Victims Rescued
By: Zagazola Makama
In a daring rescue operation, the security forces successfully foiled a kidnapping attempt and rescued nine victims from armed bandits on April 9, 2025, at approximately 1:25 a.m.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the suspected armed bandits, riding motorcycles, stormed Farin Dutse in Dangani, Musawa Local Government Area, and abducted several individuals.
However, the timely response from the Division Police Officer (DPO), who mobilized a Joint APC Patrol to the scene, led to a fierce gun battle with the bandits.
In the aftermath of the engagement, six females and three males were rescued and swiftly transported to the General Hospital Musawa for medical attention.
The victims are reported to be in stable condition.
Bandit Attack Foiled in Musawa LGA Kastina As Nine Kidnapped Victims Rescued
ECOWAS @50: Media Remains Partner, Pillar of Democracy, Peace, Security-Touray
Troops Repel Bandit Attack, Rescue Lower Sharia Court Judge in Katsina State
Clash Between Commuters and Customs Officers Leads to Accident and Mob Violence in Maiadua, Kastina
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