metro
ECOWAS court orders FG to pay torture victim N5m
ECOWAS court orders FG to pay torture victim N5m
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Court of Justice has ordered the federal government to pay N5 million in compensation to Oluwatimilehin Adebayo, a man who was subjected to torture while in Ogun State Police custody.
The court also ordered the government to “conduct a prompt, impartial and effective investigation into the torture and prosecute those responsible”.
“The ECOWAS Court of Justice has on 3 December 2024, delivered judgment in the case of Oluwatimilehin Adebayo v. Federal Republic of Nigeria (ECW/CCJ/APP/47/23), ordering the Federal Republic of Nigeria to pay N5 million in compensation to the Applicant for the violation of his right to freedom from torture,” the court’s website shared on Wednesday.
“The case arose from the brutal treatment of Mr Oluwatimilehin Adebayo by police officers in Ogun State, who subjected him to severe physical abuse, including beating him with the handle of an axe and tying his limbs with chains to a pole. This ordeal caused him physical injuries, including trauma to his scrotum, and left him suffering from significant psychological distress.”
Adebayo narrated to the court that some police officers from Ogun state tortured him severely. He specifically stated that he was beaten with an axe handle while his limbs were tied with chains to a pole.
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He also mentioned that the aftermath of the severe torture caused several physical injuries, one of which was a scrotal trauma which subsequently led to a psychological breakdown.
The Nigerian government, the respondent in the case, argued that the case was filed too late. They argued that the case was filed outside the three-year limitation period stipulated under the ECOWAS Court’s rules, rendering it statute-barred.
They also challenged the ECOWAS Court’s jurisdiction on the case, arguing that it would involve reviewing a case that was either pending (sub judice) or already decided by a municipal court within Nigeria, the respondent state.
The ECOWAS Court, however, clarified that the three-year benchmark that the Nigerian government appealed to as contained in Article 9(3)(b) of the ECOWAS Court protocol, did not apply to cases of human rights violation.
Justice Dupe Atoki held that the acts Adebayo suffered at the hands of Nigeria’s police were acts of torture and that they violated Article 5 of the African Charter on Human and People’s Rights.
“In the judgment delivered by Justice Dupe Atoki, the court held that these acts constituted torture, violating Article 5 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, to which Nigeria is a party,” a part of the judgement reads.
ECOWAS court orders FG to pay torture victim N5m
metro
FG okays closure of Independence Bridge in Lagos from Wednesday
FG okays closure of Independence Bridge in Lagos from Wednesday
By Dada Jackson
The Federal Ministry of Works has informed the motoring public of the closure of the Independence Bridge (Marina bound) in Lagos, commencing on Wednesday, March 19th, 2025.
It said in a statement on Monday that the closure was necessary to facilitate essential maintenance and rehabilitation work on the bridge.
The closure will affect people travelling from the Ahmadu Bello Way & Adeola Odeku Road towards Marina, Eko Bridge and Onikan by Zone 2, according to the statement.
The independence bridge would remain closed until the end of May 2025 for the repairs, it added.
Motorists are therefore advised to plan their journeys accordingly and seek alternative routes, it stated.
“The Federal Ministry of Works apologizes for any inconvenience this closure may cause and appreciates the public’s understanding and cooperation as we strive to ensure the safety and stability of our road infrastructure,” the statement signed by the Federal Controller of Works for Lagos, Engr. (Mrs) O I Kesha, said.
metro
Lagos, MTN Nigeria unveil “My Lagos App”
Lagos, MTN Nigeria unveil “My Lagos App”
The Lagos State government, in collaboration with MTN Nigeria, has launched the ‘My Lagos App’ aimed at making urban living in the state more seamless and efficient. The app was unveiled at MTN Plaza, Ikoyi, Lagos in a bid to make urban life in the city seamless and easy.
The app is designed to provide a range of features that enhance various activities, promoting economic growth, accountability, transparency, and real-time updates.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, represented by Deputy Governor Dr. Kadiri Obafemi Hamzat, highlighted the importance of this digital solution in a rapidly growing city like Lagos. The app serves as a vital link between the government and citizens, promoting accountability, transparency, and real-time updates.
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“The app is a comprehensive digital solution that provides seamless access to essential city services, including real-time traffic updates, personalised navigation, emergency services, utility payment services, business listings, and tourism information; the app will serve as a vital link between the the government and the citizens, it simplifies access to public services, promotes accountability and transparency, provide real time update,”Mr Governor said
Sanwo- Olu emphasised the importance of such collaboration between the government and private sectors, adding that “this partnership exemplifies the power of synergy between the Public and private sectors in driving meaningful progress.”
The governor encouraged Lagos residents to make use of this platform “as we are now in the digital age as technology is no longer luxury but necessity “I urge everyone in Lagos to embrace this app, download it, explore its features and fully utilize the services that it offers,” he said.
Lagos, MTN Nigeria unveil “My Lagos App”
metro
TUC backs NYSC member for criticising Tinubu administration
TUC backs NYSC member for criticising Tinubu administration
The Trade Union Congress (TUC) has expressed support for Ushie Uguamaye, a Lagos-based National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member, who has claimed to have received threats after criticizing President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
TUC President, Festus Osifo, speaking as a guest on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics, backed Uguamaye’s stance, suggesting that her comments were born out of frustration. Osifo urged the government to show tolerance toward critics rather than target them.
He emphasized the importance of allowing room for constructive criticism, which is vital for a healthy democracy.
However, Osifo also advised critics to maintain a level of decorum and ensure their critiques are within acceptable norms, promoting respectful dialogue and fostering an atmosphere of mutual respect.
He said, “They (government) have to develop this resilience to understand that people are frustrated, people are hungry, people are tired. So, if they decide to vent, I strongly believe that the government should not personalise it and come after such individuals.
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“Imagine a young lady carrying out her NYSC function, what does she really have to do to bring down government? So, it is about personal frustration that she has aired.
“So, I think that the government has to persevere much more, they have to be more tolerant, and they have to have this deep level of patience with Nigerians because people are passing through a lot as it stands today.”
Raye, a corps member serving in Lagos, recently made headlines after a video she posted criticising government policies went viral.
She later claimed to have faced threats, reportedly from NYSC officials, pressuring her to take down the video.
In the video posted on her TikTok account #talktoraye on Saturday, Raye voiced frustration over Nigeria’s deteriorating economic situation, lamenting that hard work no longer guarantees financial stability.
She criticised Tinubu’s leadership, calling him a “terrible leader,” and questioned the government’s commitment to easing citizens’ hardships.
However, the NYSC has yet to release an official statement regarding the issue.
TUC backs NYSC member for criticising Tinubu administration
(Punch)
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