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ECOWAS Court to Deliver Ruling in a Case Brought by Ghana’s Chief Justice
ECOWAS Court to Deliver Ruling in a Case Brought by Ghana’s Chief Justice
By: Michael Mike
The Community Court of Justice, ECOWAS on Monday, 14 July 2025 adjourned for a ruling on an application for provisional measures brought by the Chief Justice of Ghana, Her Ladyship Justice Gertrude Araba Esaaba Sackey Torkornoo, and the preliminary objections raised by the Republic of Ghana. The initiating application with suit No.
ECW/CCJ/APP/32/25, filed by the Chief Justice of Ghana, sought a suspension of ongoing proceedings to remove her from office and her reinstatement with full entitlements, pending the determination of the substantive matter before the Court. During the hearing, the Respondent requested that its jurisdictional objection be heard first as it pertains to the Court’s power to determine the request for provisional measures. It argued that the Court lacked jurisdiction and that the application was inadmissible since it concerned constitutional matters pending before competent domestic courts in Ghana, including its Supreme Court.
The Respondent contended that allowing the ECOWAS Court to proceed would amount to forum shopping and could lead to conflicting decisions. It cited some decided cases where the Court declined jurisdiction over matters concurrently pending before national courts, affirming its principle of non-interference in ongoing domestic judicial processes. The Respondent added that the Chief Justice was duly informed of the petition for her removal and afforded access to relevant documents.
Consequently, the ongoing process in Ghana are fully consistent with the procedures established under the Ghanaian Constitution.
In her response, the Applicant argued that the case does not involve constitutional interpretation, but rather clear violations of human rights guaranteed under regional legal instruments. She cited alleged breaches of Article 5 (right to dignity), Article 7 (right to fair hearing), and Article 15 (right to work) of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights. The Applicant further argued that the proceedings in Ghana had already inflicted reputational harm on her and compromised judicial independence. She stressed that allowing it to proceed could render the substantive matter before the ECOWAS Court moot.
On jurisdiction, the Applicant cited the ECOWAS Court’s jurisprudence which affirm the Court’s authority to hear human rights claims despite ongoing domestic proceedings, particularly when the domestic remedies are ineffective, or the violations persist.
The Applicant pointed out that the purpose of the application for provisional measures was to temporarily protect her rights and prevent irreparable harm, pending the final decision on the substantive case.
The matter has been adjourned for a ruling at date to be communicated to the parties.
ECOWAS Court to Deliver Ruling in a Case Brought by Ghana’s Chief Justice
DSS Trails, Nabs Man Impersonating Personnel in Abuja
By: Zagazola Makama
*Arrested in tactical uniform, with fake pistol, allegedly extorting motorists
The Department of State Services (DSS) late on Wednesday in Abuja arrested a man identified as Moferewa Maiye, discovered to be impersonating a personnel of the Service.
Maiye, who claimed to hail from Agbajojun Village, Mopamuro Local Government Area of Kogi State, was trailed and arrested by DSS officers in his hideout around the NITEL Junction, along Adetokunbo Ademola Way, Wuse II, Abuja.
At the time of his arrest, Maiye was in DSS tactical uniform and armed with a fake pistol.
According to a security source, the Secret police acted on credible intelligence that Maiye was using the uniform and the fake weapon to intimidate commuters and motorists, extorting money from them.
During interrogation, added the source, the suspect reportedly claimed that his brother was a DSS personnel who died years ago.
He identified the brother as Monday Maiye, stressing that the DSS kit in his possession was his late brother’s.
The suspect is currently being interrogated as security operatives, the source stated, adding that the Service was investigating how he came about the DSS uniform and kit.
“Investigators are also trying to establish how long the suspect has been involved in similar acts of impersonation and extortion.
“The arrest underscores growing concerns by the Service over the activities of individuals who impersonate security personnel to intimidate members of the public and commit criminality,” the source declared.
DSS Trails, Nabs Man Impersonating Personnel in Abuja
Yobe: Wali visits Emir of Damaturu
By: Yahaya Wakili
Yobe State All Progressives Congress (APC), 2027 gubernatorial candidate Alhaji Baba Malam Wali MNI, FCAN, has paid a courtesy visit to His Royal Highness, the Emir of Damaturu, Alhaji Shehu Hashimi II Ibn Umar Al-Amin El-Kanemi, at his palace in Damaturu.
During the visit, the APC governorship candidate, Alhaji Baba Malam Wali MNI, said they were at the emir’s palace to solicit the prayers and blessings of the emir.
According to Baba Wali, “We are in the race; therefore, the visit was very significant. We need the prayers of the royal fathers and leaders because they were very vital and important at this crucial time.
Responding, His Royal Highness, the emir of Damaturu, Alhaji Shehu Hashimi II Ibn Al-Amin El-Kanemi, thanked the governorship candidate for the visit and prayed Almighty Allah (SWT) would guide and protect him throughout his struggle in his life.
Those accompanying the incoming governor, Inshallah, in 2027 during the visit are his deputy, Barrister Saleh Samanja; APC State chairman, Alhaji Mohammed Gadaka; and Madakin Gudi.
Others are Alhaji Aji Yarima Bularafa, Hon. Commissioner of the Ministry of Wealth Creation, Empowerment, and Employment Generation; Hon. Nasiru Hassan Yusuf, candidate for the Federal House of Representatives, representing Damaturu, Gujba, Gulani, and Tarmuwa local government areas; and others.
The emir conferred the traditional title of Mukaddam of the Damaturu emirate council on Alhaji Baba Malam Wali, mni, and fcan, respectively.
Yobe: Wali visits Emir of Damaturu
Fire Razes Building Material Shops in Satellite Town, Lagos
By Zagazola Makama
LAGOS — A fire outbreak has destroyed several building material shops along Fin-Niger, Satellite Town, Lagos State.
The incident occurred at about 6:10 a.m. on Aug. 18, when a distress call was received reporting a fire outbreak in the area.
Following the alert, a team of policemen and firefighters was swiftly mobilised to the scene.
The fire affected building material shops located at 58/196 Old Ojo Road, along Fin-Niger, Satellite Town.
The emergency responders successfully contained and extinguished the fire, preventing it from spreading further.
No casualty or loss of life was recorded in the incident.
The cause of the fire and the estimated value of property destroyed have not yet been established.
The police said investigation into the incident is ongoing to determine the circumstances surrounding the outbreak.
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