Suit filed by an NGO against FG over various killings has been dismissed by ECOWAS Court

The ECOWAS Court of Justice on Monday 26th April 2021 dismissed a suit brought by a Nigerian Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) seeking to hold the Federal Republic of Nigeria liable through neglect or inaction for the various forms of violations suffered by communities and individuals in the country since 2001.

The NGO cited various instances of the unlawful killing of unarmed citizens under successive governments including the military invasions of Odi in Bayelsa State (1999), Zaki Biam in Benue State (2001) and Gbaramotu in Delta state (2009). Delivering judgment in the suit which was filed by the Socio-Economic Rights & Accountability Project (SERAP) on behalf of the communities and individuals, Hon. Justice Edward Amoako Asante held that although the Court has jurisdiction over the matter as it borders on the violation of human rights, it dismissed the case because of the failure of the Applicant to clearly establish any community or group whose public interest was allegedly breached and needs vindication as claimed.

Read more details at TNL

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