News
ECOWAS Court Retreat Opens with Focus on Strengthening Effectiveness
ECOWAS Court Retreat Opens with Focus on Strengthening Effectiveness
By: Michael Mike
The President of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Court, Honourable Justice Ricardo Cláudio Monteiro Gonçalves has officially opened a three-day judicial retreat focused on strengthening the effectiveness of the Court’s operations.
The retreat, themed “Judicial Case Management: Relation Between the Office of the Honourable President, Honourable Judges, Registry Department, and Legal Research & Documentation Department,” brought together judges, directors and staff of the Court to foster reflection, collaboration, and strategic planning.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Gonçalves emphasised the importance of the retreat as a platform for reflection and actionable planning, noting that: “This retreat is not merely a break from our daily responsibilities; it is an opportunity to reassess our practices, innovate, and reinforce the collaborative ties that unite us.”
He expressed confidence that the deliberations would yield impactful resolutions to enhance the Court’s role as the principal legal organ of the ECOWAS Community.
The President also acknowledged the financial constraints facing the Court and advocated for resource optimization through technological innovations such as virtual meetings. He called on participants to embrace pragmatic solutions that prioritise the Court’s core functions while adapting to current realities.

Over the next three days, participants will be deliberating on key judicial sub-themes moderated by the Honourable Judges, with presentations by directors and staff. Key topics for discussion include writ of execution and implementation in member states; standardising the rulings and orders made in open court; discrepancies between the common law and civil law practices in interlocutory applications and motions; modalities and best practices for translating court decisions; and guidelines for collaboration between research and judges’ chambers.
Gonçalves stressed the importance of these discussions, saying, that “with active engagement, I am confident we will propose meaningful improvements that will enhance the Court’s processes and amplify its impact.”
The Chief Registrar of the Court, Dr Yaouza Ouro-Sama highlighted the Retreat’s aligns with the Court’s mandate under Article 32 of the Court’s Protocol, which empowers the Court to periodically review its Rules of Procedure to resolve ambiguities from the process of filing to final disposition of cases.
He said that: “This retreat aims to enhance case management through improved guidelines and recommendations.”
The 2024 Judicial Retreat marks the first major activity organised under the Court’s new leadership, and underscores its commitment to transparency, accountability and excellence. The Retreat is being attended by the Honourable Judges, Chief Registrar, Directors, and staff both in-person and virtually, marking a pivotal step towards a more dynamic and effective ECOWAS Court of Justice.
Michael Olugbode in Abuja
The President of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Court, Honourable Justice Ricardo Cláudio Monteiro Gonçalves has officially opened a three-day judicial retreat focused on strengthening the effectiveness of the Court’s operations.
The retreat, themed “Judicial Case Management: Relation Between the Office of the Honourable President, Honourable Judges, Registry Department, and Legal Research & Documentation Department,” brought together judges, directors and staff of the Court to foster reflection, collaboration, and strategic planning.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Gonçalves emphasised the importance of the retreat as a platform for reflection and actionable planning, noting that: “This retreat is not merely a break from our daily responsibilities; it is an opportunity to reassess our practices, innovate, and reinforce the collaborative ties that unite us.”
He expressed confidence that the deliberations would yield impactful resolutions to enhance the Court’s role as the principal legal organ of the ECOWAS Community.
The President also acknowledged the financial constraints facing the Court and advocated for resource optimization through technological innovations such as virtual meetings. He called on participants to embrace pragmatic solutions that prioritise the Court’s core functions while adapting to current realities.
Over the next three days, participants will be deliberating on key judicial sub-themes moderated by the Honourable Judges, with presentations by directors and staff. Key topics for discussion include writ of execution and implementation in member states; standardising the rulings and orders made in open court; discrepancies between the common law and civil law practices in interlocutory applications and motions; modalities and best practices for translating court decisions; and guidelines for collaboration between research and judges’ chambers.
Gonçalves stressed the importance of these discussions, saying, that “with active engagement, I am confident we will propose meaningful improvements that will enhance the Court’s processes and amplify its impact.”
The Chief Registrar of the Court, Dr Yaouza Ouro-Sama highlighted the Retreat’s aligns with the Court’s mandate under Article 32 of the Court’s Protocol, which empowers the Court to periodically review its Rules of Procedure to resolve ambiguities from the process of filing to final disposition of cases.
He said that: “This retreat aims to enhance case management through improved guidelines and recommendations.”
The 2024 Judicial Retreat marks the first major activity organised under the Court’s new leadership, and underscores its commitment to transparency, accountability and excellence. The Retreat is being attended by the Honourable Judges, Chief Registrar, Directors, and staff both in-person and virtually, marking a pivotal step towards a more dynamic and effective ECOWAS Court of Justice.
ECOWAS Court Retreat Opens with Focus on Strengthening Effectiveness
News
PRESIDENT TINUBU MOURNS VICTIMS OF TERRORIST ATTACK IN NGOSHE, GWOZA LGA IN BORNO STATE
PRESIDENT TINUBU MOURNS VICTIMS OF TERRORIST ATTACK IN NGOSHE, GWOZA LGA IN BORNO STATE
By: Our Reporter
President Bola Tinubu has expressed heartfelt condolences to the families of those affected by the recent terrorist attack by Boko Haram on the Ngoshe community in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State.
The President mourns the loss of innocent lives, including military personnel, and those caught in friendly fire during the aerial interdiction of fleeing terrorists by the Air Force.
He describes the attack by the terrorists as a heartless assault on hapless citizens, urging Nigerians in Borno and elsewhere not to succumb to fear.
President Tinubu commends the military for their swift response, which led to the killing of scores of terrorists and their subsequent forced retreat.
He charges the military and other security agencies to work urgently to rescue those kidnapped by the terrorists.
Additionally, he directs the armed forces to intensify their efforts to protect civilians nationwide and prevent attacks on military installations in the North East.
President Tinubu prays for the souls of those who lost their lives in the attacks and friendly fire and extends his sympathies to their families and the Borno State Government.
PRESIDENT TINUBU MOURNS VICTIMS OF TERRORIST ATTACK IN NGOSHE, GWOZA LGA IN BORNO STATE
News
Borno State Command Celebrates 2026 World International Civil Defence Day in Grand Style
Borno State Command Celebrates 2026 World International Civil Defence Day in Grand Style
By: Bodunrin Kayode
The Borno State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) recently marked the 2026 World International Civil Defence Day with a weeklong series of activities, themed “Towards a safer society.”
A statement by the command’s spokesperson CSC Bulus James, stated that the celebration began with briefings and sensitization of staff on NSCDC’s critical roles in Crisis Management, Protection of Critical National Assets and Infrastructure, Peace and Conflict Resolution, Counter-terrorism, and VIP Protection.

On Thursday, 26th February 2026, officers and men, led by Acting Commandant DCC Obe Ndubuisi, embarked on a road match from the State Headquarters through the Kano Motor Park community and concluded at the headquarters, where the Acting Commandant delivered speeches on behalf of Commandant CC Ahmed Bello Gaya, including messages from the Commandant General and the State Commandant.
On the 27th February, 2026, Muslim faithfuls gathered at Al-Ansar Masjid for Jumaat prayers, with ACG CBRNE Hameed Abudurin from NHQ Abuja in attendance as Special Guest of Honour.

He was also present at the Passing Out Parade (POP) of a joint special training program held at the Nigerian Police Force Explosive Ordnance Disposal and Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear (EOD-CBRN) Training School, Maiduguri, in collaboration with UNMAS which offered him the opportunity to celebrate alongside the Muslim faithfuls.
Prayers were offered by the Chief Imam Borno State, and NSCDC. Worshippers expressed gratitude for NSCDC’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding lives, property, and critical national assets.

This was followed by the grand finale at the NSCDC Glorious Chapel which held a special Sunday service at the Command’s multipurpose hall, attended by guests from sister security agencies on 1st March, 2026
Goodwill messages were delivered, followed by a keynote address from Commandant CC Ahmed Bello Gaya, delivered by Acting Commandant Obe Ndubuisi.

.DCC Paul Ochola delivered an exhortation on “Selfless Service to Humanity: Towards a Safer Environment.” The service concluded with pleasantries and a group photograph.
Borno State Command Celebrates 2026 World International Civil Defence Day in Grand Style
News
Zulum Pays Sympathy Visit to Victims of Ngoshe Attack, Assures Rescue of Abducted Residents
Zulum Pays Sympathy Visit to Victims of Ngoshe Attack, Assures Rescue of Abducted Residents
By: Our Reporter
Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, has commiserated with the people of Ngoshe affected by the recent Boko Haram attack, describing the incident as tragic.
Ngoshe, a community in Gwoza local government, was attacked on Tuesday evening, scores were killed, while others were abducted.

Addressing members of the community on Friday in Pulka, Governor Zulum said he personally came to sympathize with the affected people and families of those that lost their loved ones.
He assured that efforts are underway to rescue all those abducted, restore security, and provide humanitarian support to victims.

“We are here today to commiserate with the people of Ngoshe that have lost their loved ones following the unfortunate incident that occurred on Tuesday. The situation is very sad and our hearts go out to all those affected by this tragedy,” Zulum said.
“I want to assure you that we will do everything possible to address the unfortunate situation that has befallen this community, and for those who have been abducted, the Nigerian military will do everything within its capacity to rescue them,” Zulum assured.

Governor Zulum explained that military operations are currently ongoing in Ngoshe and the Sambisa Forest to rid the area of criminal elements.
“There are ongoing military operations within the Sambisa Game Reserve. What we witnessed yesterday was largely a result of insurgents being pushed out from their strongholds, which led them to launch coordinated attacks on nearby communities,” he explained.
He called on the Nigerian Army to intensify operations to clear insurgents from the Mandara Hills which he described as a major security threat.
“The Mandara Hills remain a major security concern. The insurgents descended from the hills to attack this town. Therefore, I call on the Nigerian Army and the Federal Government to intensify efforts to clear Mandara Hills of insurgents,” Zulum said.

The governor noted that the exact number of casualties is yet to be confirmed as assessments are still ongoing, but acknowledged that several lives were lost while others were abducted.
As part of immediate humanitarian intervention, the governor said the state government had begun distributing relief materials and establishing cooking points to provide food for displaced residents.
“For now, we will distribute food items to those affected and I have directed that cooking points be established so that everyone in this community can receive meals from a central kitchen,” he said.
The governor appealed to residents to remain calm and law-abiding, noting that Borno State government will double its efforts to end this madness. “We shall not relent in our commitment to restoring lasting peace and stability in the state,” he said.
“I strongly believe that with sustained military operations and cooperation between all levels of government, we will overcome this challenge. Insha Allah, peace will return fully to our land,” the governor added.
Similarly, Governor Babagana Zulum inspected houses burned during an attack by Boko Haram insurgents on Thursday in Konduga town.
Zulum Pays Sympathy Visit to Victims of Ngoshe Attack, Assures Rescue of Abducted Residents
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