The ECOWAS Court of Justice has opened its 2025 External Session in Lagos, underscoring the need for stronger regional judicial cooperation, improved enforcement of judgments, and greater access to justice across West Africa. In his opening remarks, Justice Ricardo Cláudio Monteiro Gonçalves, President of the ECOWAS Court, highlighted the importance of external sessions in bringing the Court closer to citizens and raising public awareness of its mandate. “This initiative delivers justice directly to the grassroots and enhances visibility,” he said, citing Article 26(1) of the Court’s Protocol. Justice Gonçalves noted the Court’s expanding human rights role and accessible legal model,…
Author: Abimbola Ogunaike
Read More
The Community Court of Justice of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has delivered its judgment in Case No. ECW/CCJ/APP/25/24, Charles Nii Armah Mensah v. Republic of Ghana and Gaming Commission, dismissing the discrimination claim brought by the award-winning Ghanaian musician known professionally as Shatta Wale. The Court on Friday, 9 May, 2025, ruled against the Applicant, citing his failure to provide sufficient evidence of differential treatment, lack of proof regarding correspondence with the gaming company in question, and failure to disclose the identity of the gaming company central to the case. Mr. Charles Nii Armah Mensah, an…
Nigeria has extended its warm congratulations to Germany on the successful election of Friedrich Merz as the new Chancellor. The Conservative Leader won with 325 votes in the 630-Seat Bundestag on Tuesday, 6th May, 2025. A statement by the spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa read: “Nigeria commends Germany’s strong democratic traditions and values, which have once again been demonstrated through a peaceful and transparent electoral process. We are confident that under Friedrich Merz’s leadership, Germany will continue to play a pivotal role in advancing global peace, stability, and prosperity. “As longstanding partners, Nigeria looks forward to…
Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu has congratulated two distinguished sons of Oyo State, Alhaji Fatai Ibikunle and Dr. Ibrahim Adeniyi Olaifa, on their well-deserved appointments by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu into the South West Development Commission. Ibikunle has been appointed as the Executive Director, Commercial and Environmental Development, while Dr. Olaifa assumes office as Board member of the Commission. These appointments, though still awaiting National Assembly’s confirmation, reflect President Tinubu’s unwavering commitment to fostering inclusive governance, regional development, and the recognition of excellence in public service. Chief Adelabu lauded Ibikunle’s appointment, citing his extensive expertise in public service at…
Lagos State Government has marked at least 39 buildings located in two highbrow estates for demolition over Right of Way of Ikota Riverbank, at Eti-Osa Local Government Area of the State. Ikota is part of the Maroko Okun Alfa ward, in Lekki axis. This comes as the State Government issued indefinite quit notices to the affected occupants of the buildings to enable them move their properties and families before the demolition commences. The affected buildings, located at Oral Extension Estate, and Westend, Mega Mond Estate, Eti-Osa, LGA, include: 20 buildings to be totally removed, eight marked for partial removal, while…
President Bola Tinubu pledged on Thursday, 8 May, 2025 in Awka to address key developmental challenges confronting Anambra State and the Southeast region. These include erosion, underutilisation of gas reserves and Anambra’s exclusion from the National Rail Master Plan. Speaking at a civic reception held at Alex Ekwueme Square during his state visit, President Tinubu assured the people of Anambra of the federal government’s commitment to upgrading road infrastructure and fostering stronger national unity through inclusive development. Responding to Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s requests, the President acknowledged the persistence of abandoned federal road projects in the region. He emphasised the strategic…
The Federal High Court in Abuja presided over by Justice Emeka Nwite, on Thursday, 8 May, 2025 dismissed the objection of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission on the admissibility of a Federal Capital Territory High Court judgment. The judgment is on a suit number marked FCT/HC/CV/2574/2023 between the Kogi State Chief of Staff, Ali Bello, and Incorporated Trustees of American International School. The trial judge, Justice Nwite, in a ruling, declared that the objection of the prosecution was preemptive, stating that the court had since moved away from the platform of technicalities to the platform of substantial justice. Recall…
On Thursday, 8 May, 2025, American-born Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost was elected leader of the world’s 1.4 billion Catholics on the second day of the conclave. His election involved 133 red-robed cardinals who were sequestered in the Sistine Chapel. He will be known as Pope Leo XIV. Leo XIV is the first Pope to have been born in the United States. He is also a citizen of Peru, where he spent much of his life. Prevost has become the first clergyman from the United States to lead the Roman Catholic Church, ending the Vatican’s longstanding opposition to the idea of…
President Bola Tinubu, on Thursday, 8 May, 2025 arrived in Anambra State on a working visit to unveil various “legacy” projects by the Governor Chukwuma Soludo administration. Among the projects to be commissioned by the President include the New State Government House, Solution Fun City, the New Governor’s Lodge, built for the first time in 34 years, and the revamped House of Assembly, among others. Tinubu touched down at the Chinua Achebe International Airport, Umueri, at about 12:14pm, alongside his entourage including the National Security Adviser, Alhaji Nuhu Ribadu; Ogun State governor, Chief Dapo Abiodun; Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma;…
Demonstrating its commitment to strengthening healthcare in its operational areas, Renaissance Africa Energy Company Limited and its joint venture partners including the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) have donated vital medical equipment and essential drugs to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of the Rivers State University Teaching Hospital (RSUTH). The handover ceremony at Renaissance headquarters in Port Harcourt, Rivers State on Wednesday saw RSUTH receive three ventilators, a laser therapy machine, and a significant supply of seed stock drugs aimed at bolstering the hospital’s capacity to provide critical care and ensuring consistent drug availability. General Manager, Relations and Sustainable…