News
ECOWAS court awards Nigerian journalist N10m damages for police brutality
The Court agreed with Counsel to the applicant, Collins I. Maidoh-Anene, Esq., that the Nigerian police’s detention of the journalist and seizure of his mobile phone were excessive, unjustified, and in violation of international law.
The ECOWAS Community Court of Justice has awarded N10 million in general damages against the Federal Republic of Nigeria over the physical assault, unlawful arrest, and seizure of property belonging to Mr. Jide Oyekunle, a journalist with Independent Newspaper.
The landmark judgmemt in Suit No. ECW/CCJ/APP/29/25, was secured by Avocats Sans Frontières France (Lawyers Without Borders France) on June 22, 2026, under its eRIGHTS project, supported by the European Union, which focuses on defending human rights in the digital space.
Oyekunle, current Secretary of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), FCT Council and a former Chairman of the Correspondents’ Chapel, was physically assaulted and unlawfully detained.
His camera was damaged, and his mobile phone was seized by armed police officers on the order of the former FCT Commissioner of Police, Benneth Igweh, at Eagle Square, Abuja, on August 1st, 2024, while he was covering the #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria protests.
The Court agreed with Counsel to the applicant, Collins I. Maidoh-Anene, Esq., that the Nigerian police’s detention of the journalist and seizure of his mobile phone were excessive, unjustified, and in violation of international law.
The ECOWAS Court subsequently found the Federal Republic of Nigeria liable for violating the applicant’s rights to freedom of expression, personal liberty, dignity, and property under the African Charter on Human and People’s Rights.
The Court therefore ordered the Nigerian government to pay Mr. Oyekunle the sum of N10 million in general damages.
In a statement signed by the Country Director of Avocats Sans Frontières France, Angela Uwandu Uzoma-Iwuchukwu, on Tuesday, she said the judgment sends a clear message that a journalist’s digital tools are extensions of the modern press and newsroom, and that their arbitrary confiscation by security forces constitutes a direct assault on the public’s right to know.
According to Angela, “the Court’s pronouncement adds to the growing jurisprudence from the regional court protecting journalists and human rights defenders who document protests and public interest events.”
ASF France will continue to monitor compliance with the judgment and provide legal aid to journalists facing similar violations.
News
President Tinubu cheers security agencies for largest rescue operations in Kwara, Niger
One hundred and sixty-three of those rescued were abducted from Woro Community in Kaiama LGA, Kwara State, and 145 from Niger State.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu warmly welcomes the successful rescue of 308 Nigerian citizens who were abducted in different attacks in Niger and Kwara states.
Bayo Onanuga Special Adviser to the President(Information & Strategy) disclosed that one hundred and sixty-three of those rescued were abducted from Woro Community in Kaiama LGA, Kwara State, and 145 from Niger State.
The victims were rescued from the Kainji Lake National Park Forest in New Bussa Local Government Area of Niger State following a coordinated, intelligence-driven operation by the National Counter-Terrorism Centre (NCTC), involving personnel from the Armed Forces of Nigeria, the Department of State Services (DSS), and the Nigeria Police Force.
It was the largest rescue operation ever carried out on the same day by the joint security team.
President Tinubu expresses deep appreciation to the leadership and personnel of the security agencies for their bravery, seamless inter-agency collaboration, and dedication, which made the recovery of the victims possible.
“The successful execution of this intelligence-led operation demonstrates the growing efficiency and collaboration among our security services.
I commend our gallant men and women in uniform for their bravery and unwavering commitment to safeguarding Nigerian lives,” the President stated.
The rescued citizens are receiving first aid and essential medical care at the Medical facility at Wawa Cantonment.
Upon completion of their medical evaluations, they will be formally handed over to their state governments for comprehensive care and reunification with their families.
While applauding the return of the victims, President Tinubu emphasises the imperative of bolstering national security infrastructure to prevent future recurrence.
He directs security agencies and relevant stakeholders to immediately strengthen early warning mechanisms, enhance community-level intelligence gathering, and improve rapid response capabilities to avert similar incidents across the country.
President Tinubu reassures all Nigerians that his administration remains steadfast in its resolve to eliminate security threats, protect vulnerable communities, and restore lasting peace across every corner of the nation.
News
WAEC 2026 results: 1.2 million candidates pass English, Maths
A total of 1,959,668 candidates from 24,207 schools enrolled for the examination across Nigeria, Benin Republic, Cote d’Ivoire and Equatorial Guinea.
The West African Examinations Council, WAEC, officially released the results of the 2026 Computer-Based WASSCE for School Candidates.
Head of WAEC Nigeria National Office, Dr. Amos Josiah Dangut, announced the results on Wednesday in Lagos.
According to him, a total of 1,959,668 candidates from 24,207 schools enrolled for the examination across Nigeria, Benin Republic, Cote d’Ivoire and Equatorial Guinea.
Dr Dangut gave the breakdown of the results as follows: Of those who sat, 1,200,514 candidates — 61.54% — obtained credits and above in five subjects including English and Maths.
1,687,378 candidates — 86.50% — obtained credits and above in minimum of five subjects with or without English and Maths.
News
CGC Adeniyi announces new changes to customs recruitment
The new system would enable unsuccessful applicants to know when the next recruitment exercise would take place instead of waiting for years without certainty.
The Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, says henceforth the Service will conduct its recruitments exercise annually.
The new system would enable unsuccessful applicants to know when the next recruitment exercise would take place instead of waiting for years without certainty.
The CGC disclosed this during the release of the 2024/2025 recruitment exercises, announcing that 3,852 applicants were selected from 573,680 applications received nationwide.
He disclosed that the successful candidates were recruited into the Superintendent, Inspectorate and Customs Assistant cadres, with all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory represented.
Emphasising on the annual recruitment cycle, Adeniyi said “Recruitment will no longer be an occasional event undertaken every several years. It will be a standing, predictable, yearly process.”
According to him, the 2026 recruitment exercise will begin later this year and be concluded within the same calendar year, from advertisement to publication of the final list.
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