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Niger’s Polls: ECOWAS court adjourns hearing on exclusion suit

Published

4 years ago

February 7, 2022

The ECOWAS Community Court of Justice has adjourned hearing of a suit by Nigeriens in diaspora challenging their exclusion by the Republic of Niger, in the country’s 2020 elections.

President of the court, Justice Asante adjourned the case after listening to both parties at the court in Abuja.

Asante, who presided over the matter alongside other judges, Gberi-Be Ouattara, and Keikura Bangura, said the court was compelled to adjourn because a document was filed on the day of the hearing.

This, the judges said, would give the court time for its translation to enable all the judges in the three-member panel to understand the contents in their language.

In the suit, the Nigeriens in diaspora contended that their exclusion to participate in the country’s electoral process constituted a violation of their human rights.

They argued that their exclusion also included violating their right to register in the electoral register and consequently their right to vote.

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“The applicants requested the Court to declare that the state of Niger had infringed their rights as enshrined in Articles 1, 2 paragraph 1, 7.

“And 21 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR); Articles 2, 3, 25 and 26 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR).

“They also cited Article 13 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR); Articles 4 and 6 of the African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance, Articles 4(g,i,j).

“And 5(3) of the revised ECOWAS Treaty; Articles 1(b), h), 4 paragraph 1, 5 and 6 of the ECOWAS Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance,” they said.

They urged the Court to order the state of Niger to respect their rights.

“And to take the necessary measures to guarantee their right to participate freely in the electoral process of their state, in accordance with Community and international texts”.

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“They prayed the Court to also order the state of Niger to refrain from taking measures to prevent them from exercising their right to vote.”

Counsel to the Applicants, Bachirou Adamou cited the electoral calendar of the country’s Independent National Electoral Commission (CENI) to back up their case.

Adamou stated that as contained in the calendar, citizens of the zone 2 regions, of which the Nigeriens in the diaspora belong, should register on the electoral register between Feb. 6, 2020 and April 2020.

However, he said, against all odds, by a press release of Feb. 14, 2020, the applicants learnt that they were excluded from the enlistment operation.

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According to the President of CENI (Commission Electorale Nationale Independante), their exclusion was due to the closure of the borders.

The Counsel, therefore, urged the Court to hold that by arbitrarily excluding the applicants from enjoying their right to vote and stand in the 2020 elections, the state of Niger breached the rules governing the electoral process.

He said that the suit was therefore in disregard of its international human rights commitments and violation of their human rights, as contained in the Community and international instruments mentioned.

Respondent to the case, represented by Mainassara Oumarou, prayed the Court to declare as inadmissible the action of the applicants who had failed to provide evidence of their status as Nigeriens residing or domici.led abroad.

Oumarou said that the CENI had experienced difficulties in the involvement of Nigeriens in the diaspora, and in consultations with the government, it restricted participation to those in 23 countries.

Then, missions were organized in these countries to see how to set up the administrative commissions for enrollment and voting.

The respondent further said that the process was also truncated by the COVID-19 pandemic, which resulted in the closure of borders, the accompanying lockdown and travel disruptions.

“Faced with this situation, the Prime Minister sought the opinion of the Constitutional Court on whether this could constitute a force majeure.

“And in response issued a decision that by its scope, it excludes Nigeriens in the diaspora from voting.

“The state of Niger also raised a preliminary objection challenging the jurisdiction of the Court to hear the case, on the ground that it would amount to reviewing the decision of the Constitutional Court, the Supreme Court of the Republic of Niger.

The court has adjourned next hearing till to Tuesday, April 12, 2022.

NAN

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Court Orders DIA to Produce Cleric Accused of Coup Plot by February 18

Published

10 hours ago

February 13, 2026

Trends Admin

Sheikh Sani Abdulkadir Zaria

Court Orders DIA to Produce Cleric Accused of Coup Plot by February 18

A Federal High Court in Abuja has directed the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) to produce Sheikh Sani Abdulkadir Zaria, an Islamic cleric accused of plotting a coup against President Bola Tinubu’s government, before the court on February 18, 2026. The order follows a fundamental rights enforcement suit filed on behalf of the cleric challenging the legality of his detention.

Justice Peter Lifu emphasised that in a democratic society, all security and intelligence agencies are subordinate to civil authority, noting that every citizen is entitled to protection under Sections 36(1), (5), and (6) of the 1999 Constitution. He also reminded authorities that Nigeria’s commitments to international human rights conventions require strict adherence to lawful detention procedures.

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The suit, filed by Sheikh Zaria’s legal team led by Sunusi Musa (SAN), Abdul Aliyu (SAN), and Mohammed Sheriff, names the DIA, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, and Jaiz Bank Plc as respondents. The lawyers are seeking either the cleric’s release or an explanation for his continued detention.

During Thursday’s hearing, DIA counsel I.O. Odom Esq informed the court that the cleric was being held on behalf of the Defence Headquarters, but could not provide a valid detention order. The EFCC’s counsel, M.C. Odimbaiwe Esq, supported this position. Justice Lifu adjourned the matter and set February 18 for the DIA to produce Sheikh Zaria or justify his detention, warning that failure to do so could influence the outcome of the rights enforcement case.

Family sources linked Sheikh Zaria’s detention to an ₦2 million gift sent to the cleric’s account by an adherent connected to a suspect in the broader coup allegation. Since December 11, 2025, the cleric has reportedly been held in “safe custody” without access to family or associates, prompting his lawyers to argue that his fundamental rights have been violated.

The case underscores ongoing concerns about civil liberties, human rights, and lawful detention in Nigeria, particularly in high-profile national security investigations. The court’s ruling will be closely watched as it addresses the balance between state security and individual rights.

Court Orders DIA to Produce Cleric Accused of Coup Plot by February 18

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End of Weekly Shutdown: Igboho Advocates Negotiation to Resolve Kanu’s Legal Battle

Published

11 hours ago

February 13, 2026

Trends Admin

Yoruba nation activist, Chief Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho and Leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu

Leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu and Yoruba nation activist, Chief Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho

End of Weekly Shutdown: Igboho Advocates Negotiation to Resolve Kanu’s Legal Battle

Yoruba nation activist, Chief Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, has called on the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, to engage in constructive dialogue with the Federal Government following the formal end of the controversial Monday sit‑at‑home directive across the South‑East region.

In a statement issued on Friday by his legal counsel, Pelumi Olajengbesi, Igboho applauded Kanu for suspending the weekly protest, which had disrupted economic and social activities in the region for over five years. The directive, first introduced in August 2021, led to periodic shutdowns of markets, offices, schools, and transport services, severely affecting local businesses and daily life.

Describing the suspension as a “thoughtful and necessary” step, Igboho noted that ending the sit‑at‑home signals a shift toward constructive engagement and could help restore stability and economic normalcy in the South‑East. He said the move represents the conclusion of a five-year period of economic disruption that has hampered growth and development in the region.

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Beyond applauding the abolition of the civil disobedience measure, Igboho urged Kanu to adopt a conciliatory approach, opening channels for mediation and negotiation with the Federal Government. He emphasised that sustained dialogue could help break the deadlock surrounding Kanu’s legal battle and potentially pave the way for a political resolution to longstanding grievances.

Igboho also warned that those who profit from the destabilisation and violence in the South‑East should desist, highlighting the importance of peace for the economic recovery and prosperity of the region and the nation at large.

“This is a critical moment for the South‑East. True progress depends on dialogue, compromise, and the willingness of all parties to engage constructively,” the statement read. Igboho’s remarks reflect a growing call among activists and stakeholders for peaceful resolution and collaboration to ensure lasting stability in the region.

The end of the Monday sit‑at‑home has been welcomed by several civil society groups and business leaders, who view it as a key step toward restoring normalcy, resuming commerce, and promoting social cohesion in the South‑East.

End of Weekly Shutdown: Igboho Advocates Negotiation to Resolve Kanu’s Legal Battle

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EFCC Nabs Three in Borno Over Viral ₦500 Naira Mutilation Video

Published

12 hours ago

February 13, 2026

Trends Admin

The suspects were arrested following a viral video circulated on social media where they were seen cleaning mucus from their noses using N500 Naira notes

EFCC Nabs Three in Borno Over Viral ₦500 Naira Mutilation Video

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested three suspects in Maiduguri, Borno State, over alleged naira mutilation following a viral social media video showing them misusing the Nigerian currency.

In a statement issued on Thursday by its Head of Media and Publicity, Dele Oyewale, the anti-graft agency disclosed that the suspects — Adam Muhammad, Muhammad Muhammad, and Bashir Musa — were apprehended by operatives of the EFCC’s Maiduguri Zonal Directorate.

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According to the commission, the trio was seen in a widely circulated video cleaning mucus from their noses using ₦500 naira notes, an act described as abuse and defacement of the national currency.

The statement said the suspects were traced and arrested within the Maiduguri metropolis shortly after the video surfaced online and triggered public reactions.

They are currently being held at the EFCC’s Maiduguri detention facility while investigations continue. The commission added that the suspects would be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.

Under the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Act, abuse, defacement, spraying, or improper handling of the naira constitutes an offence punishable under Nigerian law. The EFCC has in recent months intensified its crackdown on cases involving naira abuse and currency mutilation across the country.

The latest arrest underscores the agency’s renewed enforcement drive aimed at protecting the integrity of Nigeria’s legal tender.