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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
NA CAT Week: Army Flags Off Free Medical Outreach in Kaduna Community
By Zagazola Makama
The Nigerian Army has commenced pre-event activities for its Combat Arms Training (CAT) Week 2026 with a free medical outreach for residents of Birnin Yaro community in Kaduna State.
Security sources said the outreach, which held on May 2, was flagged off by the Chief of Integrated Combat Arms, Maj.-Gen. G.M. Mutkut, as part of preparations for the CAT Week scheduled to take place at Jaji Military Cantonment from May 4 to May 8, 2026.
The sources disclosed that the programme provided free medical consultations and treatment for members of the host community, as well as personnel and their family members.
According to the sources, the initiative was designed to strengthen civil-military relations while improving access to basic healthcare services for underserved communities.
They added that senior officers, including the Principal Staff Officer from Headquarters Infantry Corps Centre and members of the Central Organising Committee for the CAT Week, were in attendance.
The sources noted that the event was conducted peacefully and without any incident.
NA CAT Week: Army Flags Off Free Medical Outreach in Kaduna Community
Troops Arrest Two Suspected Terrorists in Borno, Recover Phones and Charms
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of the Nigerian Army have arrested two suspected terrorists during a patrol operation in Ngamdu town, Kaga Local Government Area of Borno State.
Security sources said the operation was conducted at about 5:35 p.m. on May 2 by troops of 154 Battalion while on routine patrol within the area.
The sources disclosed that the suspects were intercepted and arrested during the patrol.
According to the sources, items recovered from them include one mobile phone, one keypad phone, a power bank, charms and other sundry items.
They added that the suspects are currently in military custody for further interrogation and investigation.
The sources noted that further action will be taken after profiling, while patrols in the area have been intensified to maintain security dominance.
Troops Arrest Two Suspected Terrorists in Borno, Recover Phones and Charms
Four Killed, Three Injured in Attack on Illegal Mining Site in Plateau
By Zagazola Makama
Four persons have been killed and three others injured following an attack by unknown gunmen at an illegal mining site in Barkin-Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Security sources said the incident occurred at about 1:30 p.m. on May 2 at Mazat mining site, where the victims were reportedly engaged in unauthorised mining activities.
The sources disclosed that the assailants opened fire on the victims, killing four on the spot while three others sustained varying degrees of gunshot injuries.
According to the sources, the injured victims—two females and one male—were rushed to a nearby hospital for medical attention and are currently receiving treatment.
They added that the corpses of the deceased have been deposited at the hospital morgue for autopsy.
The sources further noted that security operatives were mobilised to the scene, while additional deployments have been made to track down the perpetrators.
They reiterated that night mining activities remain prohibited in the state, stressing that investigations into the incident are ongoing.
Four Killed, Three Injured in Attack on Illegal Mining Site in Plateau
NA CAT Week: Army Flags Off Free Medical Outreach in Kaduna Community
Troops Arrest Two Suspected Terrorists in Borno, Recover Phones and Charms
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