NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA
ECOWAS Court pledges to deepen academic, youth engagement
Foreign

ECOWAS Court pledges to deepen academic, youth engagement

172 total views today

By Mark Longyen

The ECOWAS Court has pledged to deepen its engagement with the subregion’s youths and academic institutions to ensure a robust legal culture of justice, human rights and rule of law.

The President of the Court, Justice Ricardo Gonçalves, said this at the end of the maiden edition of the Moot Court competition of the Community Court on Saturday in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event, which began on Wednesday, had as its theme: “Promoting Regional Integration and Human Rights through Judicial Processes in West Africa.”

The competition brought together West African law students to simulate proceedings before the court, offering them first hand exposure to an international tribunal’s working and the opportunity to refine their advocacy skills.

Gonçalves said that the community court had resolved to make the competition an annual flagship programme.

He also said that future editions of the competition would be expanded to include universities from all ECOWAS member states to truly reflect the bloc’s diversity and unity.

The court’s president explained that through such engagement, the court would demystify its work and plant the seeds of a robust regional legal culture that values justice, human rights, cooperation and rule of law.

“This event has made one thing abundantly clear; that the time has come for the ECOWAS Court of Justice to deepen its engagement with academic institutions and the youth of our region.

“In light of the overwhelming success of this pilot edition, I am pleased to announce that the court has resolved to make the Moot Court Competition an annual flagship programme.

“Future editions will expand to include universities across all ECOWAS Member States, truly reflecting the diversity and unity of our region,” he said.

Earlier in a vote of thanks, the court’s Vice President, Justice Sengu Koroma, said the event aimed to create a platform for legal education, engagement and excellence among the region’s future legal minds.

He also said that mooting was a portal through which students could fully immerse themselves in the environment of ethical considerations and protocols of a real courtroom.

Koroma lauded the participating universities and their students, adding that their intellect, composure, and advocacy made the institutions proud and gave the court great hope in the future of regional justice.

“Today, as we conclude the finals of this historic competition, we do so with immense pride and gratitude, having witnessed the vision come to life in a truly remarkable fashion.

“To the students—you are the stars of this event.

” Your hard work, enthusiastic participation, dedication and legal acumen have made this moot competition a success.

“We wish each of you success in your future endeavours and hope that this competition has fostered not only legal proficiency but also a lifelong commitment to justice,” he added.

NAN reports that the highpoint of the event was the announcement of the winners of the competition and award of certificates for various categories to them.

Two Nigerian universities, Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) Zaria and University of Jos, won the overall best prize and runner up prize, taking home N5 million and N3 million respectively.

Two of the students, Nicholas Ochojila and Diretkinan Dashi, both from the University of Jos, expressed their gratitude to the ECOWAS Court for the opportunity to participate in the competition.

They said that the event was a good outing for the university, which came second, narrowly losing to ABU by one point, and producing the overall best oralist award winner through Ochojila. (NAN)

Edited by Mufutau Ojo

ECOWAS Court tasks law students on strengthening jurisprudence
Foreign

ECOWAS Court tasks law students on strengthening jurisprudence

153 total views today

By Mark Longyen

The ECOWAS Court has called on West African universities’ law students participating in its inaugural Moot Court competition to deepen their jurisprudence and regional legal frameworks understanding to become better lawyers.

Justice Ricardo Gonçalves, President of the Court, represented by Dr Yaouza Ouro-Sama, the Chief Registrar, threw the challenge to the participants during the orientation session of the moot court.

He explained that the orientation programme was an opportunity for the students to also better understand the court’s mission and mandate by interacting directly with the court’s personnel at all levels.

“It is an opportunity for you to better understand the mission and mandate of the ECOWAS Court, to deepen your engagement with regional legal frameworks, and interact directly with the Chief Registrar, the directors, the lawyers of the Community Court of Justice, the Excellencies, judges, and fellow law students.

“As future advocates, judges and policy makers, your participation in this Moot Court reflects a shared dedication to upholding justice, fostering regional cooperation, and advancing  legal excellence across West Africa.

“As we commence this interactive session, may it inspire collaboration, stimulate critical thoughts, and reinforce the vital role of justice in building a peaceful and unified West Africa,” he said.

The Community Court President said that he was very impressed by the law students’ legal arguments, court cases, and all their demonstrations during the opening session of the moot court competition.

According to him, their sterling performance gives the court joy and hope that the future generation is moving forward to perhaps do more than what they are doing today.

He said the orientation session was pivotal to provide participants with more clarity about the court, while their presence demonstrated a shared commitment to excellence, dialogue and the advancement of regional jurisprudence.

“Now, we wish that you keep it up in order to ensure that you have a bright  legal career after your legal  studies in the university,” he added.

Also speaking, Mr Ghislain Agbozo, ECOWAS Court’s Principal Research Officer, gave a presentation to clarify the court’s Jurisdiction, Protocol, Articles, Access, and Admissibility, among others.

He explained that the ECOWAS Court has  one Protocol, which was  adopted on the 6th of July, 1991, and was amended  on the 19th of Jan., 2005 as its Supplementary Protocol.

Agbozo said that Article 9.4 of the court’s Protocol regarding jurisdiction on human rights cases stipulates that the court has jurisdiction to determine cases of violation of human rights that occur within any member state’s territory.

He further explained that in human rights cases, the court lacks jurisdiction to entertain a dispute  between individuals, that is, an individual suing another individual, as well as non-state actors like corporations.

“First, the source of human rights obligation within ECOWAS is the African Charter on Human and People’s Rights  and the human rights instrument adopted under the auspices of the United Nations to which member states are parties.

“The court has jurisdiction over the member states if It has signed a supplementary protocol  of 19th January 2005 and has ratified the universal  or African human rights instruments invoked.

“Only member states can be brought before the Court of Human Rights violation because member states are the sole parties to the regional and the universal instruments which the court has jurisdiction over,” he said.

On admissibility, he explained that the pendency of the same suit before a domestic court or an international court of equal jurisdiction cannot oust the court’s competence to determine the case on alleged human rights violation.

“The court also has consistently held its position that there is no need to exhaust local remedy before bringing an action before the court,” Agbozo stressed.

Mr Yusuf Danmadami, ECOWAS Court’s Senior Legal Officer, described the court as the principal judicial organ of ECOWAS, which was established to ensure the interpretation and application of the ECOWAS Treaty.

He said the court represented a significant achievement in enhancing West African and African regional integration framework, having established itself as an institution for protecting human rights, and promoting the Rule of Law.

“The mission and vision of the court is to remain an independent, reliable, efficient, and accessible legal and judicial institution of the community playing a strategic role in establishing, sustaining and enabling the legal environment for the achievement of community aims and objectives.

“Now the mission of the court is to remain an independent, reliable, efficient and accessible legal and judicial institution of the community playing a strategic role in establishing a sustaining and enabling legal environment for the achievement of community  aims and objectives,” he added.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that four Nigerian universities qualified for the semi-final round of the moot court competition which was due to take place later on Friday.

They are the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, the University of Jos, the Lagos State University and the University of Uyo.(NAN)

Edited by Sadiya Hamza

ECOWAS Court inaugurates moot court competition for W/African law students
Foreign

ECOWAS Court inaugurates moot court competition for W/African law students

166 total views today

By Mark Longyen

The ECOWAS Court of Justice on Wednesday inaugurated a moot court competition for W/African law students aimed at fostering legal interaction and empowering the youth in the subregion.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event had as its theme: “Promoting Regional Integration and Human Rights Through Judicial Processes in West Africa.”

The competition brought together West African law students to simulate proceedings before the court, offer them first hand exposure to an international tribunal’s working, and the opportunity to refine their advocacy skills.

The Community Court’s President, Justice Ricardo Gonçalves, while declaring the event opened, described it as a landmark initiative in advancing legal education and regional integration in West Africa.

He emphasised that the event was an embodiment academic exercise, and a strategic platform for building a more engaged, informed, and cohesive legal community across the subregion.

According to him, the ECOWAS Court is the principal judicial organ of ECOWAS, which is tasked with delivering justice and fostering judicial understanding and accessibility.

“This moot court competition reflects our enduring commitment to public engagement and nurturing the next generation of legal minds.

“Regional integration is not solely an economic or political pursuit, it is also a legal one. It is built on institutions that are transparent, fair, and accessible to all,” Gonçalves said.

The President highlighted the initiative’s aims, which, he said, included deepening participants’ knowledge of the ECOWAS Court’s mandate and its contributions to regional peace, human rights, and integration.

He noted that the competition was also designed to sharpen the advocacy, research, and legal writing skills of aspiring lawyers, and tools that were critical both in the courtroom and in public service.

The court’s president explained that the competition also aimed at raising awareness about the court’s work throughout the region and to build public trust in regional justice mechanisms.

Gonçalves added that the event also served as a unique opportunity to foster meaningful connections among students, academics, legal practitioners, and ECOWAS institutions.

“This event is both timely and transformative, this is your moment. Be bold in legal reasoning, rigorous in your arguments, and be always guided by ethics.

“This contest is not just about winning; it is about shaping jurists who are critical thinkers and champions of justice.

“May this competition inspire a new generation to uphold the ideals of justice, solidarity, and integration in West Africa, and may the best team win,” he said.

He said the maiden edition of the competition, which featured eight Nigerian universities, would be an annual event, eventually expanding to all West African universities’ law faculties.

Speaking earlier, the court’s Chief Registrar, Dr Yaouza Ouro-Sama, described the event as a “historic moment” that would enrich legal education, promote youth engagement, regional integration, and justice advancement.

He said that the competition was also a practical learning platform that reflected real courtroom procedures.

“This moot court is more than a competition. It is a vital educational tool that cultivates critical thinking, advocacy, and a deep respect for due process.

“To our participants, may this experience inspire you, challenge you, and deepen your commitment to justice,” he said.

NAN reports that the participating universities were selected from thirteen institutions which had earlier applied and chosen based on their outstanding performances in the memorial submission stage.

The highpoint of the event, which was attended by judges, academics, legal professionals, university representatives, among others, was the official opening of the moot court competition among the participating universities. (NAN)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

ECOWAS Court, ICC, ICJ, PCA pledge to enhance global jurisprudence
Foreign

ECOWAS Court, ICC, ICJ, PCA pledge to enhance global jurisprudence

188 total views today

By Mark Longyen

The ECOWAS Court of Justice, International Court of Justice (ICJ), International Criminal Court, (ICC), and Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA), have pledged to deepen their cooperation to enhance global jurisprudence.

They made the pledge during a working visit by a high-level ECOWAS Court delegation, led by its President, Justice Ricardo Gonçalves, to the institutions’ headquarters at The Hague, Netherlands.

The four international judicial institutions all agreed to establish inter-institutional partnerships, initiate staff exchange and training programmes and research.

“These steps are expected to contribute to the continued growth and modernisation of the ECOWAS Court’s judicial operations.

“The mission aimed to deepen inter-institutional cooperation and enhance the Court’s exposure to international judicial practices,” a statement by the court’s spokesman, Felicien Hounkanrin, said.

He said that the visit included strategic engagements with the three major international legal institutions.

“Discussions focused on jurisdictional frameworks, prosecutorial processes, legal research tools, and opportunities for collaboration in areas such as training, legal staff exchange, and library development.

“At the ICC, the delegation was received by Judge Reine Alapini-Gansou, Second Vice-President of the Court.

“A key highlight included a lecture by Mamadou Racine Ly, Advisor to the Prosecutor and Legal Officer, Dr Ania Salinas Cerda, on admissibility criteria and prosecutorial mechanisms,” Hounkanrin said.

He also said that the PCA hosted the delegation at the Peace Palace, where its Secretary-General, Dr Marcin Czepelak, welcomed the delegation.

The Community Court’s spokesman said that legal officers of the PCA delivered a session on the institution’s history, mandate, and current caseload, emphasising its unique role in inter-state and investor-state dispute resolution.

“At the ICJ, the ECOWAS judges held a judicial dialogue with the President of the Court, Judge Yuji Iwasawa, and other sitting judges, exploring both courts’ complementary roles in the international legal order,” he added.(NAN)

Edited by Sadiya Hamza

Lagos CJ decries difficulty in enforcing ECOWAS Court judgments
Foreign

Lagos CJ decries difficulty in enforcing ECOWAS Court judgments

276 total views today

By Mark Longyen

The Chief Judge (CJ) of Lagos State, Justice Kazeem Alogba, has decried the difficulty of enforcing the judgments of ECOWAS Court in sovereign states with diverse political climates.

Alogba made this known when ECOWAS Court President, Justice Ricardo Gonçalves, paid him a courtesy visit in Lagos, a statement issued on Thursday by ECOWAS Court’s spokesman, Felicien Hounkanrin, said.

Hounkanrin said that Alogba lauded the ECOWAS Court for its high standards of jurisprudence and its commitment to justice in the sub-region.

He said that the CJ acknowledged ECOWAS Court’s achievements, and stressed the need for continued collaboration and exchange between national and regional judicial bodies.

Alogba, however, emphasised that international charters must be respected once they were ratified by member states.

“The existence of judicial bodies like the ECOWAS Court play a vital role in ensuring legal accountability and curbing impunity, even when direct enforcement mechanisms are limited,” Alogba said.

Responding, Justice Gonçalves, who was accompanied by the court’s Vice President, Justice Sengu Koroma and the Chief Registrar, Dr Yaouza Ouro-Sama, appreciated the CJ for the warm welcome and institutional support.

He explained that the visit was part of the court’s sensitisation campaign and preparations for its upcoming external court sessions scheduled to take place from May 5-7, and May 8-16, respectively, in Lagos.

The court’s president added that the events aimed at increasing public awareness about the court’s role, as well as improving access to regional justice.

He said the recent withdrawal of Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger from ECOWAS had reduced the number of the court’s participating states from 15 to 12, describing the development as regrettable.

While affirming the court’s continued commitment to its mandate, Gonçalves outlined its core jurisdiction as human rights protection, which represented over 80 per cent of its caseload.

The president listed the court’s other mandates as the interpretation and application of ECOWAS legal instruments, disputes involving community civil servants, and advisory legal opinions to ECOWAS institutions.(NAN)

Edited by Kevin Okunzuwa

ECOWAS Court President, others hail retiring colleagues for impactful career
Foreign

ECOWAS Court President, others hail retiring colleagues for impactful career

268 total views today

By Mark Longyen

Justice Ricardo Gonçalves, President, ECOWAS Court of Justice, and others, have commended the court’s officials, who are mandatorily retiring this year, for their impactful career and bequeathing indelible legacies.

Gonçalves stated this at a ceremony organised by the court in honour of four of its departing employees, who are retiring after many years of meritorious service to the institution.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the retiring staff are Dr Athanase Atannon, the court’s Deputy Chief Registrar and Dr William Towah, the Director of Administration and Finance.

Others are Mr Félicien Hounkanrin, the acting Head of the Court’s Communication Services, and Mr Iliyas Jonah, an Office Aide attached to a judge’s office.

The court’s president noted that all the retiring staffers made indelible impact on the institution and their office colleagues, stressing that it would be hard to replace them.

“Each of you leaves an indelible mark on this institution, both through your professional results and, above all, through the way you have left an impact on the people around you.

“Your wisdom and patience will continue to guide and inspire your colleagues. Your example and spirit of dedication will surely be a source of inspiration for many of us.

“The moment we share here today is also one of reflection. It is true that there is no one irreplaceable in this life but it will take years until we have someone with your experience and know-how,” he said.

Gonçalves further said that the road ahead might not be easy, particularly because their exit coincided with the difficult financial, social and security situation which ECOWAS was currently going through.

He said that in almost fifty years of its existence, for the first time, ECOWAS was faced, at one stroke, with the departure of three countries, with all the consequences that might result.

“However, we believe that our political decision-makers will know how to take advantage of this moment to carry out a profound reflection on the path taken and what is intended for our Community in the next fifty years.

“The path will still have challenges to be overcome, now focusing specifically on our Institution, if we consider that we will soon announce the recruitment competition for new employees.

“For this phase that is about to begin, it is our institution’s duty to firmly commit to excellence, rigor, and individual merit,” Gonçalves added.

Earlier in a remark of welcome, Dr Yaouza Ouro-Sama, the court’s Chief Registrar, said the retiring employees made a lasting impact on the court and colleagues through their dedication, passion and hard work.

He urged everyone to reflect on the remarkable contributions, which the outgoing employees made throughout their career, especially the moments they shared, touched colleagues’ lives, wisdom imparted, and relationships built.

“Your influence has been immeasurable, and while we will certainly miss you in the office, we know this new chapter will bring you exciting adventures and much-deserved rest.

“Let’s make today a reflection of the joy and success you’ve brought to all of us, and let’s celebrate you, your achievements, your journey and all that lies ahead,” he said.

Mr Ghislain Agbozo, staff representative at the event, in a goodwill message, said that it was fitting that the conclusion of one’s career should be marked with both joy and gratitude.

He said that the significance of the ceremony was to enable them pay tribute and gratitude to their retiring colleagues.

Mr Félicien Hounkanrin, one of the retirees, said that he was happy to retire after about twenty years of contributing to the development of the court with great impact.

The court’s outgoing spokesman said that he witnessed the evolution of the court and its achievements, especially the role which the judges played in strengthening the rule of law, democracy and justice.

“My advice to the people we’re leaving behind is that they too should contribute to the court’s success, and to know that the time will come when they will also go for their retirement.

“We did what we could do best but because of budget constraints, there are so many things we could not do. But we hope that in the years coming, they will get the funds to extend our activities.

“My wish is that those three countries that withdrew from ECOWAS would come back to their senses and rejoin the other 12 member countries so that the region will be more interesting and attractive,” he said.

NAN reports that the event was attended by prominent guests like the court’s Vice-President, Justice Sengu Koroma; Justice Gberi-Be Ouattara, and Justice Dupe Atoki, among others.

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

CJ creates Insolvency Unit in Federal High Court for efficient, service delivery
Judiciary

CJ creates Insolvency Unit in Federal High Court for efficient, service delivery

401 total views today

Insolvency

By Taiye Agbaje

The Chief Judge (CJ) of the Federal High Court (FHC), Justice John Tsoho, has created an Insolvency Unit for the court to ensure efficient service delivery.

The Chief Registrar of FHC, Sulaiman Hassan, made this known in a statement on Sunday night in Abuja.

Hassan said the creation of the unit was done pursuant to the provisions of the Companies and Allied Matters Act (CAMA), 2020, and Assets, Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) Act, 2019 (as amended).

He said the creation was also in line with the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC) Act, 2024, and the Bankruptcy Act, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2010.

“The functions of the Insolvency Unit are to oversee the effective implementation of the provisions of the above enactments as it relates to Company Voluntary Arrangements (CVA), Administration, Receivership, Winding Up and various forms of restructuring of companies.

“The unit is created in line with global best practices on Insolvency and to also provide specialised and standardised services on insolvency matters.

“It also offers insolvency practitioners, a dedicated channel for supervisory and enforcement services,” he said.

According to him, this is a milestone in the quest for modernisation and updating insolvency practice and proceedings in Nigeria.

He said the unit would also offer fast-track services required in the implementation of its mandate.(NAN)

Otudeko: Court adjourns for report of settlement as A-G intervenes
Judiciary

Otudeko: Court adjourns for report of settlement as A-G intervenes

553 total views today

By Sandra Umeh

A Federal High Court in Lagos on Monday adjourned a case against the Chairman of Honeywell Group, Oba Otudeko, and others until May 8 for a report on settlement.

Justice Chukwujekwu Aneke granted the adjournment after the first defence counsel, Chief Wole Olanipekun, (SAN), informed the court that the parties were exploring a settlement.

He stated that a meeting involving all counsel had been convened at the Attorney General’s instance to facilitate a peaceful resolution.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had filed a 13-count charge against Otudeko, former First Bank Managing Director Olabisi Onasanya, former Honeywell board member Soji Akintayo, and Anchorage Leisure Ltd.

The N12.3 billion case is marked FHC/L/20C/2025.

The case was initially set for arraignment on Jan. 20, but the defendants were absent, claiming they had not been served with the charge.

At the last hearing on Feb.13, defence counsel argued that the court should first hear their preliminary objections rather than proceed with the arraignment.

Delivering a ruling on Monday, Justice Aneke held that it was a settled legal principle that a defendant’s plea must be taken before any preliminary objection can be heard.

The court relied on precedents, including Onnoghen v. FRN and Bello v. FRN, and ruled that arraignment must precede any objections.

Following the ruling, Olanipekun informed the court that settlement discussions were ongoing.

He said a meeting was held on March 12 involving all parties, including the prosecution, under the Attorney General’s supervision.

He requested an adjournment for a report on the settlement.

Other defence counsel, including Messrs Kehinde Ogunwumiju (SAN), Olumide Fusika, (SAN), and Charles Adeosun-Phillips (SAN), supported the request.

They urged the court to grant an adjournment solely for a settlement report, without setting an arraignment date, to avoid prejudicing the discussions.

Although the prosecution’s counsel, Mrs Bilikisu Buhari, suggested an adjournment for either a settlement report or arraignment, the defence insisted on allowing settlement efforts to proceed uninterrupted.

The court granted the defence ’s request and adjourned the case until May 8 for a report on the settlement.(NAN)

Edited by Kevin Okunzuwa

Group urges women to report rights violations to ECOWAS Court
Foreign

Group urges women to report rights violations to ECOWAS Court

309 total views today

By Mark Longyen

The ECOWAS Court Women’s Forum has called on West African women to always seek redress at the ECOWAS Court of Justice for gender-based violence and discrimination.

The forum’s President, Mrs Frances Ibanga, gave the advice in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja.

She spoke on the sidelines of a Street Walk organised by the group to celebrate the 2025 International Women’s Day with the theme “Accelerated Action” on Saturday.

According to Ibanga, the ECOWAS Court primarily serves as a human rights court, and urged women to bring forward cases of gender-based violence and discrimination for adjudication.

“Women have previously taken cases of gender-based violence to this court and achieved justice,” she said.

She cited the case of a female Air Force officer who was abused and raped, saying that the court upheld her rights.

“When she turned to this court, she found confidence and had her dignity restored.

“Today, she is enjoying the justice she fought for,” Ibanga added.

On the significance of the celebration, Ibanga said that it was all about advocacy for women to be given equal rights and opportunities in all ramifications.

According to her, there is need for women to take immediate steps, and be encouraged, to achieve whatever they want.

“We’ve come together for gender equality and, especially for the fact that the campaign theme for this year is “Accelerate Action.”

“Women have actually been talking, we have been making the proposals.

“We have been doing advocacy so that we can be integrated and have a place in society.

“The time for too much talk is gone, now is time for affirmative action,” she stressed.

She explained that the forum had over the years been at the forefront of supporting women and young school girls, by doing a lot for them.

“First and foremost, we create awareness, letting them know about their rights, and at the same time, empower them economically.

“We’ve made efforts to empower women economically; that way a lot of their poverty will be alleviated and women will be financially independent.

“We go to them from time to time to encourage them and to drive the campaign against all the vices, for example, drug abuse and all what not,” Ibanga said.

The Court’s Chief Registrar, Dr Yaouza Ouro-Sama, said women should be encouraged to change their mindset, to overcome inferiority complexes, and believe in their ability to achieve anything men could.

Also, Mrs Ami Savage, Head of the ECOWAS Court’s Administration and Human Resources Division, urged the Federal Government to make university-level education compulsory for every girl-child. (NAN)

Edited by Kevin Okunzuwa

ECOWAS Court rejects NGOs’ rights violation claims over Lagdo Dam
Foreign

ECOWAS Court rejects NGOs’ rights violation claims over Lagdo Dam

344 total views today

By Mark Longyen

The ECOWAS Court has dismissed claims brought against Nigeria by two Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) over the destruction of property, health and environment by the 2012 and 2022 Lagdo Dam floodings.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the applicants, Incorporated Trustees of Prince and Princess Charles Offokaja Foundation, Nigeria, and Prince and Princess Charles Offokaja Foundation, Switzerland, filed the suit.

They had in suit: ECW/CCJ/APP25/23, alleged that Nigeria’s failure to construct a dam in Adamawa to mitigate the effects of Lagdo Dam’s overflow from Cameroon violated the fundamental rights of Nigerians.

The applicants had argued that the delayed construction of the dam resulted in flooding, widespread damage, loss of life, displacement, and disruption of economic and educational activities across 14 Nigerian states.

The NGOs further contended that the dam project would have alleviated the flooding by enabling proper management of water, which could have been used for irrigation and electricity generation.

Delivering judgment on Friday, the court, in the judgment read by Justice Sengu Koroma (presiding/judge rapporteur), dismissed the lawsuit in its entirety.

According to the community court, the second applicant, a Swiss-registered NGO, lacked the legal capacity to bring a case before the court.

It said the first applicant, a Nigerian-registered NGO, claimed to represent public interest but failed to meet the required criteria for public interest litigation.

“The Court recalls that the requirement is that the class of victims in a public interest litigation, even when indeterminable, should be capable of being envisaged by the court,”  Koroma said.

The court further held that, “while the applicants referenced a broad class of victims (the Nigerian people), the court is unable to identify or envision the specific victims whose rights were allegedly violated.”

The court also noted that, while it has jurisdiction to hear human rights violation suits, the applicants’ lack of capacity to pursue it in the public interest was fatal to the suit.

NAN reports that Nigeria had denied the claims, asserting that the dam’s feasibility study which it earlier conducted in 1982 was part of a broader initiative to develop the Benue Basin’s water resources.

The Federal Government’s counsel had argued that the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Nigeria and Cameroon was centered on enhancing cooperation in managing shared water resources.

The government also contended that it took measures to mitigate flooding, including building additional dams, and securing a 2024 Senate resolution to facilitate the dredging of Rivers Benue and Niger.

Nigeria also prayed the court to dismiss the case, arguing that the applicants failed to demonstrate the specific victims affected by the flooding or to show any direct violations of rights.

The three-man panel comprised Justice Sengu Koroma (presiding/judge rapporteur), Justice Dupe Atoki (member), and Justice Edward Asante (member)(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

X
Welcome to NAN
Need help? Choose an option below and let me be your assistant.
Email SubscriptionSite SearchSend Us Email