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Eight Nigerian Universities in ECOWAS Court’s Moot Competition
Eight Nigerian Universities in ECOWAS Court’s Moot Competition
By: Michael Mike
Eight Nigerian Universities are presenting competing in the inaugural edition of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Court Moot Court Competition.
The ivory towers in the competition are: American University, Yola; Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, University of Nigeria, Nsukka; Igbinedion University, Okada; Lagos State University, Ojo, University of Jos, Jos; Afe Babalola University, Ado Ekiti, and University of Uyo, Uyo.
According to the President of the Court, Hon. Justice Ricardo Claudio Monteiro Gonclaves, the objectives of the competition is to familiarize participants with the ECOWAS Court’s role in regional governance and its contribution to the protection of human rights and economic integration; enhance advocacy, research, and analytical skills among law students; promote the Court’s visibility and engage the public in understanding its importance in the ECOWAS region; and provide a platform for students, academics, and legal professionals to connect and share ideals.
The expected outcomes from the moot competition, according to the President, are: Increased awareness among students about the ECOWAS Court’s operations and contributions; enhanced advocacy and legal reasoning skills among participants; stronger ties between the ECOWAS Court and academic institutions in Nigeria; and a more informed and engaged future generation of legal practitioners in West Africa.
Speaking on the competition at the opening of the inaugural event in Niger State, the President said it is an important milestone in the strengthening of legal culture and regional integration within the Economic Community of West African States.
He said: “Since its establishment, the ECOWAS Court has stood at the forefront of promoting regional integration, advancing human rights, and strengthening the rule of law across West Africa.
“As Community’s the principal judicial organ of ECOWAS, the Court’s mandate spans the interpretation and application of Community texts, adjudication of human rights disputes, and the resolution of conflicts between Member States and ECOWAS institutions.”
He noted that: “In the fulfilment of this mandate, the Court has delivered landmark judgments that have reshaped national policies, safeguarded individual rights, and reinforced the foundations of democracy and good governance in our region.
“However, the true measure of any judicial institution is not found solely in its jurisprudence but also in its accessibility, public engagement, and its ability to foster understanding among the people it serves.
This Moot Court Competition is a testament to our commitment to deepening public engagement and investing in the next generation of legal practitioners.
“This event symbolizes, therefore, more than just an academic competition: it represents the collective commitment to the promotion of justice, the rule of law, human rights and good governance in our member countries.
“By bringing together young law students here, we are investing not only in the future of ECOWAS community law, but also in the future of sub-regional integration itself.”
The President added that: “So, to all the participants of the contest present here, I would like to say to you: this is your moment. A moment of learning, challenge and growth. Be bold in legal reasoning, rigorous in argumentation, ethical and prudent in every word.
“This contest is not just about winning or losing – it is about training jurists who are conscientious, critical, and committed to justice.
“While there will ultimately be a winning team, every participant here today is a winner. I encourage you to utilise this platform not only to showcase your talents but also to establish lasting professional networks that will support your career in the legal profession.”
Earlier, the Chief Registrar of the Court, Dr. Yaouza Ouro-Sama, who disclosed that the competition would be extended to other member states of ECOWAS, said: “I implore participants to pay keen attention to proceedings and learn from the process. We hope that at the end of this programme, participants will have garnered the required experience and confidence to represent their future clients before real courts. I look forward to stimulating intellectual debates during this competition.”
He equally told the participants that: “May this experience inspire you, challenge you, and deepen your commitment to justice.”
Eight Nigerian Universities in ECOWAS Court’s Moot Competition
Troops arrest three ISWAP terrorist logistics suppliers in Kwara
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops under Operation Savannah Shield have arrested three suspected terrorist logistics suppliers in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State.
Security sources said the arrests were made at about 7:35 a.m. on March 15 by troops stationed at a Forward Operating Base in Kaiama.
According to the sources, troops initially apprehended a suspect who was allegedly planning to supply three motorcycles to a terrorist group.
Further investigation led to the arrest of two other suspected terrorists believed to be members of Islamic State West Africa Province/Boko Haram, who had reportedly arrived in Kaiama to receive the motorcycles.
The suspects were said to be planning to transport the motorcycles to terrorists operating in Nuku village.
The suspects are currently in custody while investigations continue.
Troops arrest three ISWAP terrorist logistics suppliers in Kwara
Maiduguri blasts: Police confirm 23 dead, 108 injured as security heightened
By: Zagazola Makama
The Nigeria Police Force in Borno State has confirmed that 23 persons were killed and 108 others injured following multiple explosions that rocked Maiduguri on Monday evening, in what authorities described as coordinated suicide attacks.
The incidents, which occurred at about 7:24 p.m., targeted crowded and strategic locations within the metropolis, including the Maiduguri Monday Market, the gate of the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, and the Post Office Flyover, Maiduguri.
In a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Nahum Kenneth Daso, preliminary investigations revealed that the explosions were carried out by suspected suicide bombers using improvised explosive devices (IEDs).
The coordinated nature of the attacks, which struck nearly simultaneously across different parts of the city, has raised fresh concerns about evolving tactics by insurgent groups seeking to undermine ongoing counter-terrorism efforts in the North-East.
Zagazola noted that the choice of targets particularly a major market, a hospital vicinity, and a busy flyover suggests an intent to maximise casualties, spread fear, and disrupt socio-economic activities in the state capital.
In response, a combined team of Police Tactical Units, military personnel and other joint security operatives were immediately deployed to the affected areas.
The scenes were swiftly secured and cordoned off, while the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Unit conducted detailed sweep operations to rule out the presence of additional explosive devices.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Naziru Abdulmajid, led a high-level assessment visit to the affected locations, where he commiserated with victims and their families.
He assured residents of the command’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding lives and property, noting that enhanced security measures had been activated across the state.
Emergency responders, including the National Emergency Management Agency and the Borno State Emergency Management Agency, worked in coordination with medical teams to evacuate victims to hospitals, where they are currently receiving treatment.
Despite the scale of the attacks, authorities made the efforts to restore normalcy in the affected areas, with security presence significantly increased across Maiduguri and its environs.
Residents have been urged to remain calm but vigilant, particularly in public places, and to promptly report any suspicious movements or objects to security agencies.
The command also commended the resilience and cooperation of residents, reiterating its commitment to maintaining peace and stability in the state.
Maiduguri blasts: Police confirm 23 dead, 108 injured as security heightened
Troops nutrialised several Boko Haram terrorists in Yobe
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of the Nigerian Army have nutrialised several Boko Haram terrorists after it successfully repelled a terrorist ambush along the Longlari–Kanama road in Yunusari Local Government Area of Yobe State.
Security sources said the incident occurred at about 5:23 p.m. on March 14 when troops of the 159 Battalion Nigerian Army, B Company, stationed in Kanama, were returning from a routine patrol.
.According to the sources, the troops were ambushed by suspected terrorists along the Longlari–Kanama road near Mairari village.
The troops engaged the terrorists with heavy fire and neutralized several of them forcing many of them fo flee.
Following the encounter, the soldiers conducted exploitation of the general area to track the fleeing insurgents.
Troops nutrialised several Boko Haram terrorists in Yobe
Troops arrest three ISWAP terrorist logistics suppliers in Kwara
Babani assumes office as LCBC chief, pledges stronger regional security, cooperation
Maiduguri blasts: Police confirm 23 dead, 108 injured as security heightened
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