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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
News
Troops Foil ISWAP/JAS Attack on Military Position in Borno, Recover UXOs
Troops Foil ISWAP/JAS Attack on Military Position in Borno, Recover UXOs
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of 3 Battalion (Mechanised)/24 Task Force Brigade have successfully repelled an attack by suspected Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists in Ngala Local Government Area of Borno State.
Security sources said the attack occurred at about 2:44 a.m. on June 12 when terrorists launched coordinated assaults on the troops’ location from Wurge, Manawaji and Kinuba.
According to the sources, the troops engaged the attackers with superior firepower, supported by reinforcements from battalion headquarters, as well as mortar and artillery fire support, forcing the insurgents to withdraw.
Following the encounter, the fleeing terrorists retreating and scampered into the bushes.
At about 5:45 a.m., troops and auxiliary forces conducted a follow-up exploitation along the withdrawal route towards Wurge, during which three RPG-7 high-explosive unexploded ordnances (UXOs) and two torchlights were recovered.
The sources further disclosed that a main battle tank developed technical faults during the aftermath of the engagement, while one soldier sustained injuries from fragments of an RPG blast.
The wounded personnel was evacuated to the 3 Battalion Regimental Aid Post (RAP) for medical treatment.
Military authorities said clearance and follow-up operations were ongoing in the area to consolidate gains and prevent further terrorist regrouping.
They reaffirmed commitment to sustaining aggressive counter-terrorism operations across the North-East theatre.
Troops Foil ISWAP/JAS Attack on Military Position in Borno, Recover UXOs
News
Katsina Govt Confirms Death of Retired Major General Rabe in Bandits’ Captivity
Katsina Govt Confirms Death of Retired Major General Rabe in Bandits’ Captivity
By: Zagazola Makama
The Katsina State Government has announced the death of retired Major General Rabe Abubakar while in the captivity of bandits.
The government, in a statement issued on Friday by the Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Dr Nasiru Mu’azu, described the development as tragic and a major loss to the state and the nation.
According to the statement, the retired senior military officer died from complications arising from diabetes and hypertension while in captivity.
The government said that despite sustained efforts by the state government and security agencies to secure his release, the situation ended in tragedy.
“The deceased retired general died a natural death from complications of diabetes and hypertension,” the statement said.
It noted that the late officer’s abduction and subsequent death represented not only a loss to his immediate family and Katsina State but also a monumental loss to the country.
Governor Dikko Umaru Radda expressed deep condolences to the family of the deceased, describing the incident as a dark moment and a reminder of the need for intensified efforts against criminal elements threatening peace and security.
The governor reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to working closely with the Federal Government and security agencies to ensure that those responsible for the abduction are brought to justice.
He also assured residents that the government remained resolute in its determination to eliminate banditry and safeguard lives and property across the state.
The government prayed for the repose of the soul of the late retired Major General and urged citizens to continue supporting security agencies in the fight against insecurity.
Katsina Govt Confirms Death of Retired Major General Rabe in Bandits’ Captivity
News
Zulum Delivers Relief, Cash Support to 434 Ngoshe Residents Rescued from Boko Haram
Zulum Delivers Relief, Cash Support to 434 Ngoshe Residents Rescued from Boko Haram
By: Our Reporter
Borno State Government has distributed relief materials to 434 indigenes of Ngoshe community in Gwoza Local Government Area who were recently rescued by security agencies after spending three months in Boko Haram captivity.
Governor Babagana Umara Zulum visited the victims in Pulka on Monday and directed the immediate distribution of food and non-food items to support their recovery and reintegration.

In compliance with the Governor’s directive, the Director General of the Borno State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Alhaji Ali Abdullahi Isa, promptly supervised the distribution exercise.
Each rescued person received a bag of rice, a bag of maize grits, a mattress, a wrapper, and a shadda, while children received two pairs of clothing.

In addition, 208 heads of households received N50,000 each, fulfilling Governor Zulum’s earlier pledge of financial assistance.
Speaking during the distribution, the SEMA Director General said the intervention was part of the government’s immediate response to ease the hardship faced by the rescued victims.

“I am here at the instance of His Excellency, Governor Babagana Umara Zulum, who was here some few days ago, and to deliver the items he directed that it should be given to you as emergency relief,” Ali stated.
The rescued individuals are currently receiving medical care and psychosocial support at a government facility. Upon completion of the rehabilitation process, they will be reintegrated into their respective communities.
The exercise was carried out alongside the Chairman of Gwoza local government, representatives of the Ngoshe community, and other officials.
Zulum Delivers Relief, Cash Support to 434 Ngoshe Residents Rescued from Boko Haram
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