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Fagbemi Calls for Appellate Mechanism in ECOWAS Court
Fagbemi Calls for Appellate Mechanism in ECOWAS Court
…Insists Absence of Appellate Court at Regional Level Undermines Access to Justice
By: Michael Mike
The Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi has called for the establishment of an appellate mechanism within the ECOWAS Court of Justice, stating that the absence of such mechanism continued to undermine access to justice in the region.
Speaking at the opening ceremony of the 2025/2026 legal year of ECOWAS Court, Fagbemi said while the finality of judgments is crucial, fairness also demands that decisions be open to review in order to correct possible errors of law or procedure.
Fagbemi while noting that the absence of appellate court at the regional level is a letdown, said: “It is concerning that there is currently inadequate room for appeal against the judgments of the ECOWAS Court. While finality is important, justice must also be seen to be fair and revisable,” insisting that: “The absence of a separate appellate mechanism limits access to justice. As we expand the Court’s reach, we must also ensure that its decisions are subject to the same standards of review and accountability that underpin robust judicial systems.”
He urged the Court to draw lessons from other regional judicial institutions such as the European Court of Human Rights, the East African Court of Justice and the Inter-American Court of Human Rights, which, according to him, offer valuable models of transparency, judicial independence and procedural innovation.
He however restated Nigeria’s support for the ECOWAS Court as host country, describing it as central to regional integration, human rights enforcement and stability. “Nigeria remains steadfast in its support for the ECOWAS Court of Justice… I pledge to continue advocating for legal reforms that align domestic laws with regional obligations while respecting our constitutional order and national interests,” Fagbemi added.
Also speaking, the President of Cabo Verde, José Neves, said community justice remains vital for Africa’s credibility in global affairs. He stressed that strengthening institutions such as the ECOWAS Court was essential for peace, democracy and integration on the continent.
He said: “In a continent still marked by border disputes and recurring tensions, the existence of an independent and respected community tribunal is a civilisational triumph that we must preserve and enhance,” Neves said. He noted that access to the Court by individual citizens was one of the most significant gains of regional integration, as it brings justice closer to the people.
Neves also called for reforms within African sub-regional bodies to make them more effective in addressing contemporary challenges such as insecurity, institutional fragility, migration and climate change.
In his address, the President of the ECOWAS Court, Justice Ricardo Goncalves, disclosed that the Court handled 34 new cases in the past year, including matters relating to civil and political rights, economic freedoms, and disputes between member states.
He also revealed that the Court held 79 judicial sessions and issued 54 rulings, many of which reaffirmed key principles such as the justiciability of socio-economic rights and the supremacy of community law over conflicting national legislation. According to him, 112 cases are currently pending before the Court.
Fagbemi Calls for Appellate Mechanism in ECOWAS Court
Troops intercept 11 youths with donkeys during patrol in Borno
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of 68 Battalion have intercepted 11 youths during a routine patrol in Mallam Fatori area of Abadam Local Government Area of Borno State.
Security sources said the interception occurred along the Bulagana–Cheisa axis on April 2 during ongoing clearance operations in the area.
According to the sources, the individuals were found moving in the area with 12 donkeys when they were stopped and briefly interrogated by troops.
The sources added that the youths were later handed over, alongside the animals, to relevant authorities in a neighbouring country for further necessary action.
The military said the patrol was part of sustained efforts to maintain security dominance and prevent exploitation of border communities by criminal elements.
Troops intercept 11 youths with donkeys during patrol in Borno
Troops recover ammunition, logistics items in Kwara patrol operation
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of the Nigerian Army under the 22 Brigade have recovered ammunition and other logistics items during a fighting patrol in Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State.
A security source disclosed that the operation was conducted at about 4:00 p.m. on April 2 at Daban Lema, where troops of the brigade, operating from the Patrol Base, encountered signs of suspected terrorist activities in a deserted location.
According to the source, the troops immediately carried out exploitation of the area, leading to the recovery of four rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition and one empty PKT ammunition belt link.
Other items recovered include four mobile phones, two head warmers, two small solar panels, and assorted repair tools believed to have been used by the suspected terrorists.
The source added that the recovery indicates the presence and movement of suspected criminal elements within the area, noting that troops have intensified surveillance and patrols to deny them freedom of action.
Troops recover ammunition, logistics items in Kwara patrol operation
Troops foil attack by Criminal Youths, rescue victims, arrest suspects in plateau
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 1, Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP), have foiled an attack on residents at Dutse Uku in Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State.
A security source said the troops responded swiftly to a report of sporadic gunshots in the area at about 11:50 p.m. on April 2.
According to the source, upon arrival at the scene, the suspected criminals fled, abandoning their operation due to the prompt intervention of the troops.
He said the troops rescued two victims who sustained gunshot wounds during the incident and immediately evacuated them to a hospital for medical attention.
The source further disclosed that two suspects, dressed in black attire, were arrested at the scene.
Items recovered from the suspects include a cutlass and a knife.
He added that the suspects are currently in military custody and undergoing preliminary investigation, while efforts are ongoing to track down other fleeing members of the group.
Zagazola report that despite heightened security, there has been report of pocket of attacks in some communities.
The source reassured residents of the military’s commitment to protecting lives and property and urged the public to continue providing timely information to security agencies.
Troops foil attack by Criminal Youths, rescue victims, arrest suspects in plateau
Troops intercept suspected Boko Haram logistics convoy conveying 13 persons in Borno
Troops intercept 11 youths with donkeys during patrol in Borno
Troops, CJTF arrest three suspected Boko Haram logistics suppliers in Borno
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