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SERAP To Tinubu: Order Fagbemi To Withdraw Attack On ECOWAS Court

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The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has urged President Bola Tinubu “to publicly instruct Mr Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice to immediately withdraw his statement purportedly advising the Court of Justice of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) ‘to refrain from issuing unenforceable orders and judgments’”

The SERAP made the call in a statement issued in Lagos on Thursday under the signature of its Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare.

It recalled that Fagbemi, at the opening session of the statutory meeting of the ECOWAS judicial council in Abuja on Tuesday averred that “the judgments delivered by the ECOWAS are practically incapable of enforcement.”

The statement read, “This statement is clearly inconsistent and incompatible with Nigeria’s international legal obligations assumed under the various ECOWAS treaties and protocols to which the country is a state party.

“It is incorrect to say that the ECOWAS’ court judgments and orders are unenforceable the same way the Tinubu government cannot plausibly claim the judgments delivered by the Nigerian courts are unenforceable.

“This statement is a political attack on the ECOWAS Court which if not immediately withdrawn would undermine the integrity, independence, authority and effectiveness of the court and deny Nigerians access to justice and effective remedies.”

The SERAP also observed that “The judgments of the ECOWAS Court, which are final and immediately binding and enforceable, are vital for the realisation of ECOWAS aims and objectives.

“Rather than making statements to undermine the integrity, independence and authority of the ECOWAS Court, the Tinubu government should demonstrate the political will to immediately enforce all outstanding judgments by the court.

“President Tinubu is the chairman of the ECOWAS and Nigeria ought to show the leadership to invest in the ECOWAS’ judicial organ and uphold the various ECOWAS treaties and protocols and propose mechanisms to implement the decisions of ECOWAS Court within the country’s national legal system rather than disparaging the court.”

The not-for-profit organisation declared that it would “hold the Tinubu government to account for any breach of its international obligations, including under the ECOWAS treaties and protocols.”

It added that “Like in Nigerian courts, the ECOWAS Court proceedings are practical and its judgments are enforceable as a matter of law and justice. If a litigant before the court cannot have a judgment enforced, then there is no point in establishing a judicial organ for the ECOWAS in the first place.”

In the opinion of the SERAP, “The purpose of the ECOWAS treaties and protocols is to promote cooperation, integration as well as to forge a common front for enhanced economic stability and interdependence between Community States.

“But the ECOWAS integration agenda will be impossible if Nigeria continues to fail to uphold its international legal obligations, enforce the court judgments and decisions, embrace the rule of law, and strengthen ECOWAS institutions.”

It maintained that “The enforcement of the court’s judgments is particularly important in the case of individuals whose enjoyment of fundamental human rights, as guaranteed under the ECOWAS treaties and protocols and other human rights treaties to which Nigeria is a state party, is dependent on effective enforcement.”

NEWS

Kano Businessman’s Daughter Kidnapped After ₦8m Ransom Payment

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In a shocking incident on Sunday morning, unknown gunmen suspected to be kidnappers invaded the home of Alhaji Auwal, a prominent businessman, in Garo Town, Kabo Local Government Area of Kano State.

The gunmen, estimated to be around 10 in number, forced their way into the residence, breaking down a door to gain entry.

An anonymous source revealed that the attackers were heavily armed, with three carrying firearms and the rest wielding other weapons.

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They quickly gathered the entire family in one room, instilling fear and panic in the household.

According to the source, Alhaji Auwal pleaded with the assailants to spare his family and agreed to meet their demands.

The kidnappers, who were determined to extort money, received ₦8 million from the family.

Despite this payment, the gunmen took the businessman’s eldest daughter, Zainab, a secondary school graduate, before fleeing the scene.

The whereabouts of Zainab remain unknown, and as of now, the kidnappers have not contacted the family.

This abduction comes just 48 hours after the tragic kidnapping and subsequent murder of former Gombe State Permanent Secretary, Atiku Mu’azu, who was killed by gunmen after a ₦10 million ransom was paid.

The two incidents have left the residents of Kano in shock and fear, prompting calls for increased security measures in the area.

Attempts to reach the spokesperson for the Kano Police Command, SP Abdullahi Haruna, for comment were unsuccessful as his phone remained unreachable.

Authorities have yet to make any official statements regarding the investigation.

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International News

Colombia Blocks US Deportation Flights Over Migrant Treatment

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In a bold move, Colombian President Gustavo Petro declared on Sunday that he would not allow US deportation flights carrying Colombian migrants to access his country’s airspace.

The left-wing leader took to X (formerly Twitter) to express his strong stance, stating, “The United States cannot treat Colombian migrants as criminals. I forbid entry to our territory to US planes carrying Colombian migrants.”

Petro made it clear that such flights would only be accepted once Washington established a protocol to ensure the “dignified treatment” of deported migrants.

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The president later confirmed in a separate post that he had already turned back US military planes that were en route with Colombian migrants on board, although he did not provide further specifics on the matter.

While AFP sought confirmation from US authorities regarding the blockade of deportation flights, no immediate response was forthcoming.

Petro’s statements come just a day after Brazil’s government voiced similar outrage over the treatment of deported Brazilians.

Brazil condemned the US administration under President Donald Trump, citing instances where Brazilian migrants were deported while handcuffed on flights, describing it as a “flagrant disregard” for their basic rights.

In his remarks, Petro emphasized that he would be open to allowing civilian US flights to transport deported migrants as long as they were not subjected to treatment “like criminals,” signaling a broader call for humane treatment of migrants under international deportation policies.

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NEWS

Four Dead, Many Injured As Explosion Rocks Niger State Mining Site

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An explosion at a mining site in Sabon Pegi, Mashegun Local Government Area of Niger State, claimed the lives of four individuals and left several others injured on Sunday morning.

The blast occurred as miners resumed operations, sending shockwaves through the community.

While the exact cause of the explosion remains undetermined, local residents have pointed to the poor handling of explosive devices by mining companies as a possible factor.

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The incident has sparked concerns about safety practices within the mining sector.

Community sources confirmed the recovery of four bodies, but authorities fear the death toll could rise.

Investigations are ongoing to establish the cause of the blast and assess the full extent of the damage.

One resident, Aminu, described the chaos that followed the explosion. “The sound was so loud that many of us thought it came from the hydroelectricity dam nearby. People panicked and ran into the bush for safety,” he recounted.

Another community member highlighted the potential role of mining operations in the tragedy.

“Mining companies here frequently use explosives during their activities, and this seems like an operational issue, not something related to terrorism,” the resident said, dismissing concerns about a security threat in the area.

As of the time of reporting, neither the state government nor security agencies have released an official statement regarding the explosion.

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