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Nwoke Advises ECOWAS Court, National Courts on Resolving Disconnect
Nwoke Advises ECOWAS Court, National Courts on Resolving Disconnect
By: Michael Mike
A former Vice President of the ECOWAS Court, Prof. Friday Nwoke has advocated a triple approach towards resolving the disconnect between the Court and the national courts of the Member States, which have an important role in the enforcement of the decisions of the regional court.
In a paper presented at the ongoing 2024 international conference of the Court in Freetown, Nwoke suggested that the Court should focus on such measures as training for officials of national courts, workshops and meetings with the sole objective of facilitating cooperation as these will impact positively on compliance and the enforcements of the judgements of the Court.
Nwoke, whose presentation was under the sub theme “Enhancing the role, relevance of the ECOWAS Court through strengthened synergy with the national courts of Member States,” stressed the importance of regular dialogue and cooperation between the Court and the national courts which will require exchange of information, case law and best practices to build mutual trust and respect.
He also urged Member States to revise their legal framework to incorporate provisions that recognize and enforce the decisions of the ECOWAS Court of justice, which will require aligning national laws with the ECOWAS Treaty and ensuring that national courts have the necessary legal tools to enforce the judgments of the regional court.
Nwoke also suggested that Member States enact legislation to recognize and enforce the judgments of the Court while the ECOWAS Commission and political actors, such as the Council of Ministers and the Authority of Heads of State and Government, should also be involved in the enforcement mechanism for decisions of the Court.
Other recommendations made by the presenter includes the creation of a monitoring unit with responsibility for monitoring and supervising the enforcement, a provision for an annual reporting of the level of enforcement of the judgements of the Court.
He noted that while the Court enjoys the respect of Member States, the continued non-compliance with its decisions could undermine public confidence while characterising the Court’s independence, boldness, and impartiality as key to its credibility.
He emphasized that strengthening the enforcement mechanism is essential to maintaining its effectiveness and ensuring compliance in good faith by member states.
The 2024 conference, which is being attended by 250 participants, is being held under the theme Enhancing the Role, Relevance and Effectiveness of the ECOWAS Court of Justice through the Strengthening of Synergies between the Court and National Stakeholders.
Nwoke Advises ECOWAS Court, National Courts on Resolving Disconnect
Gombe police launch investigation after clash at wedding leaves one dead
By: Zagazola Makama
Police in Gombe State have commenced investigation following a deadly clash during a wedding send-off party in Tulmi, Akko Local Government Area, which left one person dead and others injured.
According to a sources, the incident occurred on Feb. 1, 2026, at about 10:30 p.m., when a group of men identified as Wada Hussaini, Ganji Alhaji Idi, Yaya Hussaini, Mohammed Maikudi, Bello Alhaji Idi, and one Tijjani, all from Garin Ardo Usman village, reportedly clashed with Abubakar Usman, 35, and Bello Adamu, 19, at the wedding organized by Godiya Mai Rai.
The confrontation resulted in serious injuries to Abubakar Usman, Bello Adamu, and Wada Hussaini. The injured were rushed to Cottage Hospital Tumu for treatment, but Abubakar Usman was confirmed dead. His corpse has been deposited at the hospital’s mortuary.
The suspects fled the scene following the incident, and police said efforts are ongoing to apprehend them. Investigation into the case has commenced.
Gombe police launch investigation after clash at wedding leaves one dead
Two children drown in Bauchi river, police investigate
By: Zagazola Makama
Two children drowned while swimming in a river on the outskirts of Bauchi metropolis, Bauchi State, police said.
According to sources, the victims, Saminu Mohammed, 12, and Tanimu Danladi, 11, both of Gudum Sayawa, went to a river in the area on Feb. 2, 2026, at about 4:30 p.m., when the incident occurred.
Police personnel swiftly moved to the scene, evacuated the children, and conveyed them to the Specialist Hospital, Bauchi, where they were certified dead by a medical practitioner.
Their remains were later released to their relatives for burial, while investigation into the incident continues.
Two children drown in Bauchi river, police investigate
Sokoto police arrest suspected bandits’ informants, financiers, recover rustled cows
By: Zagazola Makama
Sokoto State Police Command, in collaboration with the Community Guard, has arrested suspected bandits’ informants and financiers and recovered seven rustled cows along with a motorcycle.
Sources said that on Feb. 2, 2026, at about 1:00 a.m., operatives acting on credible intelligence swooped on Sarma Village in Tangaza Local Government Area, arresting two suspects, Nura Dan Haruna, 20, and Buhari Salah, 18, found in possession of seven stolen cows and a motorcycle without registration number.
The suspects reportedly confessed that they had been sent by Abdullahi Gulum and Dan Iko, both at large, to deliver the cows to Hamza Ibrahim, 56, of Kara Area, Illela, who has also been arrested.
Hamza reportedly admitted that he sold two of the cows last month to Abubakar Muhammad, 31, of Gwadabawa LGA, who was subsequently taken into custody.
Police confirmed that investigation is ongoing, and efforts are being intensified to apprehend the remaining suspects.
Sokoto police arrest suspected bandits’ informants, financiers, recover rustled cows
Gombe police launch investigation after clash at wedding leaves one dead
Two children drown in Bauchi river, police investigate
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