BY PROF. M.T LADAN* 1. CONTEXT:- The December 25, 2025, U.S. airstrikes in Sokoto were officially framed by both nations as a collaborative counter-terrorism effort with Nigerian government consent, which is central to the legal analysis of territorial sovereignty The core legal debate under international law and Nigerian constitutional law revolves around whether genuine, constitutionally-compliant …
Observations of the Centre for Community Law on the United States Christmas Day Military Action in Nigeria
Whereas: For over 15 years, civilians in Nigeria have faced multiple security threats and atrocity risks due to attacks, kidnappings and extortion by various non-state armed groups. According to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, the security situation has resulted in a humanitarian emergency, with more than 7.8 million people – approximately …
A Review of Shalimar Abbiusi v the Republic of Ghana (ECW/CCJ/JUD/41/24)
Mmesomachukwu Ndubueze-Nduka* Introduction This case review examines the judgment of the Community Court of Justice of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS Court) in Shalimar Abbiusi v. Republic of Ghana, issued on November 22, 2024. The decision is important for three reasons. First, it clarifies the extent of the Court’s authority to issue …
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A Review of L’Association des Utilisateurs des Technologies de l’Information et de la Communication & Mr. Ndiaga Gueye v. Republic of Senegal, ECW/CCJ/JUD/29/25
Mercy Olatayo* Introduction The judgment of the ECOWAS Community Court of Justice in L’Association des Utilisateurs des Technologies de l’Information et de la Communication (ASUTIC) & Mr Ndiaga Gueye v Republic of Senegal (ECW/CCJ/APP/37/23; ECW/CCJ/JUD/29/25, 14 May 2025) represents an important moment in the regional constitutionalisation of digital rights. Delivered against the backdrop of recurring …
A REVIEW OF THE REGISTERED TRUSTEES OF THE SOCIO-ECONOMIC RIGHTS AND ACCOUNTABILITY PROJECT (SERAP) V. THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA, Judgment No. ECW/CCJ/JUD/35/24.
Sharon Ogbuehi* It was on the evening of 28 March 2022, when news began making the rounds that a train carrying 970 passengers en route from Abuja to Kaduna was attacked and bombed by terrorists and armed bandits at about 7:45 p.m. near Rigasa, Kaduna State. Several passengers were abducted and taken into the bush …
The United States Clarifies its Position on the Law Applicable to Deep Seabed Mining
The United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea The United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) 1982, established a comprehensive legal framework for all activities in the oceans and seas. It defines the rights and responsibilities of States regarding the use of the oceans, including maritime zones, resource management, and environmental …
A Commentary on the International Seabed Authority’s (ISA) FAQs for the media about the International Seabed Authority and Deep-Sea Mining
A. It is important to state that the legal mandate to regulate mineral-related activities in the seabed beyond coastal countries’ national jurisdictions (the Area) rests solely with the International Seabed Authority (ISA), as enshrined in the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). As a result, no private entity or State may undertake …
Balancing State Accountability and Individual Rights: The ECOWAS Court’s Decision in Melville Roberts v. Republic of The Gambia, ECW/CCJ/JUD/43/24
By Orimogunje Samuel Temitope* IntroductionIt cannot be overemphasised that modern international law revolves around the protection of Human Rights. Human Rights, as loosely defined, are the inherent and innate property that every Homo sapiens possesses and is entitled to. Under international law, every state has been saddled with the responsibility, whether in action or omission, …
Civic Freedoms vs State Power: ECOWAS Court Condemns Guinea’s Crackdown on Protest
By Taiwo Olamide Oluboyo Introduction Human rights are universal, inalienable, indivisible and interdependent. They are universal because all individuals are bestowed with same rights, irrespective of their geographical location, gender, race, religious, cultural affiliations. Human rights are inalienable, as individuals’ rights cannot be revoked; They are interdependent, as all rights – political, civil, social, cultural, …
ECOWAS Court Tames Blasphemy Laws in Nigeria: A Discussion of the Incorporated Trustees of Expression Now Human Rights Initiative v. Nigeria, ECW/CCJ/JUD/20/25.
By Orimogunje Samuel Temitope Introduction It is not novel that the protection of Human rights stands as a cornerstone of modern international law, Human Rights are the most fundamental property inherent to every human, irrespective of their nationality, gender, race, religion or any other status. These rights are indivisible, inalienable and universal that forms the …