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New Leadership Emerges at ECOWAS Court
New Leadership Emerges at ECOWAS Court
By: Michael Mike
New leadership has emerged at the Community Court of Justice, Economic Community of West African States simply called ECOWAS Court as Honourable Justice Ricardo Claúdio Monteiro Gonçalves was elected new President of the judiciary arm of the regional bloc.
Also elected is Honourable Justice Sengu Mohamed Koroma elected as the new Vice President
A statement from the court said Honourable Justice Ricardo Claúdio Monteiro Gonçalves has been elected as the new President of the ECOWAS Court of Justice on Monday, October 14, 2024, for a two-year term of office, following an election by the college of five judges of the Court.
Hon. Justice Gonçalves succeeds Hon. Justice Edward Amoako Asante who led the Court for six years since assuming office on July 31, 2018.
In the same election, Hon. Justice Sengu Mohamed Koroma was elected as Vice-President, succeeding Hon Justice Gberi-bè Ouattara.
Justice Ricardo C.M. Gonçalves from Cabo Verde and Justice Sengu M. Koroma from Sierra Leone were sworn-in on Thursday, October 6, 2022 in Guinea Bissau by former President of the Conference of Heads of State and Government of the Community, President Umaro Sissoco Embalo for a non-renewable term of four (4) years.
In his inaugural speech, the President-elect, Justice Ricardo Claúdio Monteiro Gonçalves outlined his vision for the Court, which focused on two fundamental pillars: responsibility and dialogue.
He emphasised the responsibility entrusted to the Court by the ECOWAS laws establishing the Court. He also stressed the need to uphold the institution’s mission as an independent, reliable, efficient, and accessible court.
He expressed his commitment to foster continuous dialogue with other institutions and agencies of ECOWAS, Member States, civil societies among others, while also ensuring financial prudence in the administration of the institution’s fund.
The other three judges of the Court are the out-going president, Justice Edward Amoako Asante (Ghana), the out-going vice-president, Justice Gberi-bè Ouattara (Côte d’Ivoire) andJustice Dupe Atoki (Nigeria).
New Leadership Emerges at ECOWAS Court
News
21 villagers abducted in kano communities as Security forces intensify search operation
21 villagers abducted in kano communities as Security forces intensify search operation
By: Zagazola Makama
Twenty-one persons have been abducted by suspected bandits in three villages of Tsanyawa Local Government Area of Kano State.
Zagazola Makama learnt that the coordinated attacks occurred in Sundu, Biresawa and Masaurari villages.
According to community members, two women were taken from Sundu, while five women and two children were abducted at Biresawa.
In Masaurari, nine men and one woman were reportedly seized, bringing the total number of abducted persons to 21 comprising nine men, eight women and two children.
The Police Command in Kano confirmed the attack noting that efforts had been intensified to rescue all victims unhurt.
The sources added that additional operatives had been deployed to the affected axis, while the area was being combed in collaboration with local vigilance groups and other security agencies.
The command assured residents of its commitment to restoring peace and urged the public to provide credible information that could aid ongoing operations.
21 villagers abducted in kano communities as Security forces intensify search operation
News
Ammunition falls from moving vehicle near ABU Zaria, eyewitnesses suspect supplies for bandits
Ammunition falls from moving vehicle near ABU Zaria, eyewitnesses suspect supplies for bandits
By: Zagazola Makama
Passersby and students of Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) Zaria were startled on Tuesday when several rounds of ammunition reportedly fell from a moving passenger bus along the Zaria–Katsina highway.
Zagazola Makama understand that the incident occurred directly in front of ABU Zaria’s main gate, causing brief panic among pedestrians and motorists.
One of the witnesses, who simply identified himself as Musa, said the ammunition fell from a commercial vehicle heading towards Katsina.

“We suddenly saw the bullets drop from the bus as it sped past the gate. Before people could understand what happened, the vehicle had already disappeared,” he said.
He added that some bystanders quickly gathered the ammunition and alerted security operatives stationed around the area.
Another eyewitness, a student who preferred not to be named, described the incident as “strange and frightening,” noting that many feared the ammunition could be linked to supplies to armed groups operating in parts of Kaduna and Katsina States.
Security personnel later arrived at the scene and recovered the ammunition.
Ammunition falls from moving vehicle near ABU Zaria, eyewitnesses suspect supplies for bandits
News
Security forces arrest “Gwandara” notorious kidnap kingpin, logistics supplier in Bwari Abuja
Security forces arrest “Gwandara” notorious kidnap kingpin, logistics supplier in Bwari Abuja
By: Zagazola Makama
Security forces have arrested a notorious kidnapper and major logistics supplier to bandits identified as Y’au Ibrahim Dauda, popularly known as “Gwandara 01”.
Zagazola Makama gathered that the suspect was apprehended by the Scorpion Squad at about 5:40 p.m. on Thursday in Bwari following actionable intelligence.
According to sources , Dauda has been on the wanted list of security agencies for his alleged role in several coordinated kidnapping operations within the FCT, particularly across the Bwari axis, from 2024 to date.
Investigations further linked him to multiple abductions around the Garam area of Tafa LGA in Niger State and Bwari, including the kidnapping of a pastor in 2024 at the El-Rufai Estate, near the Nigerian Law School, Bwari.
The sources said that efforts are ongoing to apprehend other fleeing members of the gang and recover their weapons.
Security forces arrest “Gwandara” notorious kidnap kingpin, logistics supplier in Bwari Abuja
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