Blog

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 Jide Oyekunle, a journalist with Independent Newspaper.

The landmark ruling 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, the secretary of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, Federal Capital Territory, 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 1, 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.

The Court therefore ordered the Nigerian government to pay Mr Oyekunle the sum of N10 million in general damages.

The court found that Nigeria’s actions suppressed his live coverage, thereby breaching his right to freedom of expression under Article 9 of the African Charter.

It also ruled that the assault and detention violated his rights to personal liberty, human dignity, and freedom from degrading treatment under Articles 6 and 5, while the temporary seizure of his phone violated his right to property under Article 14.

The Court further held that Nigeria’s justification failed the test of necessity under international law, making the conduct of the security forces excessive and unlawful.

In a statement signed by the country director of Avocats Sans Frontières France, Angela Uwandu Uzoma-Iwuchukwu, on Tuesday, 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.

“For Avocats Sans Frontières France and the eRIGHTS project partners, this ruling strengthens legal protections for journalism in the digital age. It shields reporters from tech-based censorship and intimidation, puts security agencies on notice that targeting media practitioners during protests will attract accountability, and reaffirms the ECOWAS Court as a vital shield for civic space in the region.”

Jide Oyekunle, while reacting to the landmark judgment, described it as a significant affirmation that journalists have the right to carry out their constitutional duties without intimidation, harassment, or attack.

He stated that democracy cannot thrive where journalists are attacked for documenting events or where citizens are punished for exercising their lawful rights.

He said, “The decision of the ECOWAS Court is not only about me; it is about every journalist, media worker, and Nigerian citizen who believes in the right to freedom of expression, access to information, and peaceful civic participation.

“This judgment sends a clear message that security agencies and government institutions must be held accountable when they violate fundamental rights.

“Because if democracy is all about good governance, accountability, and transparency, then press freedom should not be curtailed, denied, or restricted.”

Oyekunle appreciated everyone who stood by him throughout the journey, including the Nigeria Union of Journalists FCT Council, Avocats Sans Frontières France, colleagues and rights advocates, and all Nigerians who continue to defend press freedom and democratic values.

BREAKING: ECOWAS court slams N10m damages on Nigerian govt over assault of Journalist, Oyekunle

According to him, he and his wife still quarrel regularly after nearly five decades together, but they always find a

The post Being married to one woman for 48 years is boring — Charly Boy appeared first on Tribune Online.

Swedish Allsvenskan club, Djurgården have announced the signing of Nigerian winger, Angelo Agbejoye, DAILY POST reports.

Agbejoye, who penned a five-year contract, joined Djurgården from Grassrunners FC.

He was scouted by Djurgården during a local tournament in Nigeria.

The winger is the club’s first signing of the summer transfer window.

The 18-year-old is determined to make impact at his new club.

“I am very happy and grateful to be here.

“My main strengths are speed, attack, finesse, scoring and hitting crucial passes, creating chances and, in short; win,” Agbejoye told the club’s official website.

Transfer: Swedish club, Djurgården sign Nigerian youngster 

Global crude oil benchmarks have continued to extend their downward spiral, hitting their lowest levels in nearly four months as physical supply anxieties fade away following the…

The post Strait of Hormuz: Global crude oil prices one week after US-Iran deal appeared first on Tribune Online.

The 2027 presidential candidate of African Action Congress, AAC, has arrived at the Federal High Court in Abuja as his trial continues.

The activist, who is also the publisher of Sahara Reporters, was brought to the court from the Kuje correctional centre where is being remanded.

Recall that Justice Mohammed Garba Umar, Monday ordered Sowore to be kept in prison pending the hearing and determination of his motion for stay of the order for revocation of his bail and bench warrant. 

He was immediately picked up by operatives of the Department of State Services, DSS who handed him over to prison officials.

Arriving at the court on Wednesday, Sowore could be seen smiling during conversation with some lawyers.

Several activists and his supporters are currently at the court premises waiting for the next move.

DAILY POST reports that the DSS is prosecuting Sowore for allegedly making false claims against the person of President Bola Tinubu by referring to him as “a criminal” in a post he made on his “X” and Facebook accounts.

Sowore arrives court from Kuje prison

The Nigerian Army Armour School, Bauchi, has announced plans to conduct a military training exercise, codenamed Exercise Thunder Strike 2026, as part of efforts to improve the operational readiness of its personnel.

In a statement signed by the Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, Major Adekunle Adeyemi, the Army said a firepower demonstration for cadets of the Nigerian Defence Academy will hold on June 25, 2026, at the Victor Kure Armour Range along the Bauchi–Jos Road.

The statement said the main training exercise will take place from June 29 to July 2, 2026, in Alkaleri Local Government Area of Bauchi State and other selected locations.

Residents were advised to expect increased movement of troops, armoured vehicles, military equipment and low-flying aircraft during the period.

According to the Army, activities on June 25 will be held around Zaranda Hill and Geji Village in Bauchi Local Government Area, while the field exercise will cover Bara in Gombe State; Bashar and Dengi in Plateau State; Karim and Muri in Taraba State; as well as Alkaleri and neighbouring communities in Bauchi State.

The Army urged residents, particularly farmers and herders, not to panic at the sound of gunfire, assuring that all necessary safety measures have been put in place.

It also advised members of the public to stay away from designated exercise areas throughout the training period.

The exercise will end on July 2 with a live firepower display involving Armoured Fighting Vehicles.

The Army appealed to media organisations to help create public awareness and encourage cooperation from residents during the exercise.

Army announces operation ‘Thunder Strike’ exercise in Bauchi

Former United States Assistant Secretary of State for Africa, Tibor Nagy, has slammed the Nigerian government over alleged refusal to admit that there targeted violence against Christians in the country.

For several months, allegations of genocidal killing of Christians have raged on in Nigeria, but the government insists no particular people are being targeted.

But Nagy, who thinks otherwise, also claimed there are efforts in the US to expose sanctions on American-based separatist leader, Ogechukwu Nkere. 

Nagy disclosed this in his recent statement on X after a conversation with Nkere, terming it part of the suppression of the defunct Biafra.

“Nigerians in former Biafra suffered greatly, never fully recovering from the horrendous war. Also tragic is the Nigerian government’s refusal to admit there is a huge problem with targeted violence against Christians.

“The Nigerian govt. should try giving Biafrans justice, security, and good governance instead of trying to suppress their freedom of expression outside Nigeria. That would be a much better use of their funds!” He wrote on X. 

Ambassador Nagy’s statement underscores the growing recognition in Washington that Mr. Nkere has become an influential and effective political voice for the Biafran cause.

This comes as Africa Intelligence, a leading news platform focused on African political and business affairs, published an article on May 25, 2026, titled “Abuja tries to get Washington to pursue Biafran independence movement leader.”

According to the article, agents of the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit are seeking to persuade counterparts at the

The US Treasury Department is to impose sanctions on Ogechukwu Nkere, the Prime Minister of the Biafra Republic Government in Exile, who is based in the United States. 

The report had also highlighted Mr. Nkere’s extensive engagement in Washington, DC, including the use of lobbying firms to advance awareness among Congress and the White House regarding allegations of Christian genocide in Nigeria. 

The reported Nigerian effort appears aimed not only at countering Mr. Nkere’s advocacy but also at personally targeting him for his political activities in the United States.

Recall that Nkere succeeded former BRGIE Prime Minister Simon Ekpa, who is currently serving a jail term in Finland.

Reacting to the Nigerian government alleged move, Nkere, in a statement, said, “Such actions would constitute a cynical misuse of frameworks to target a legitimate self-determination and independence movement representing millions of Christians from Southeast Nigeria.”

Through sustained engagement with US policymakers, Nkere has helped elevate concerns regarding Christian persecution, insecurity, and the political marginalization of Biafrans from a regional grievance into an issue of increasing relevance in Washington policy circles.

In October 2025, United States President Donald Trump designated Nigeria a country of particular concern for the persecution of Christians. Meanwhile, the Nigerian government has repeatedly downplayed the alleged religious crisis in the country.

Biafra: US Diplomat, Nagy slams Nigerian govt’s refusal to admit violence against Christians

Operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit of the Ogun State Police Command have secured the safe release of an abducted victim, neutralising two suspected kidnappers, and recovered a single-barrel gun.

The operation was contained in a statement issued by the police spokesperson, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi on Wednesday.

According to the statement, the victim was abducted on Thursday, June 11, 2026, at Ogbe Village, in the Obafemi-Owode local government area of Ogun State.

Babaseyi stated that on receiving the report, the command immediately activated its anti-kidnapping unit, deployed intelligence and tactical resources to secure the victim’s release and bring the perpetrators to justice.

He noted that through sustained intelligence gathering, strategic surveillance, and relentless operational pressure mounted on the criminal gang, the victim was eventually released unharmed on June 18, 2026.

The PRO disclosed that the command, in ensuring that those responsible did not evade justice, intensified follow-up operations which led the operatives to the hideout of the gang.

According to the statement, the kidnappers on sighting the operatives opened fire in a desperate attempt to resist arrest and escape, but two of them were neutralised while other members of the gang fled the scene with gunshot injuries.

Babaseyi noted that other items recovered included one expended cartridge, a mobile phone, a cash sum of N2.2m and other exhibits linked to the criminal enterprise.

 “The successful operation is a testament to the effectiveness of the intelligence-driven and proactive crime-fighting strategies being vigorously pursued by the Ogun State Police Command under the leadership of the Commissioner of Police, CP Bode Ojajuni, psc, FCSS, MNIPR, in ensuring the safety and security of residents across the State.

“A search conducted on one of the neutralised suspects led to the recovery of a single-barrel gun, while further examination of the scene yielded one expended cartridge, a mobile phone, and a cash sum of Two Million, Two Hundred Thousand Naira (N2,200,000), reasonably suspected to be proceeds of criminal activities” the statement added.

The image maker added that the command has since intensified efforts to track down and apprehend the fleeing gang members, while investigations continue.

He noted that the State Commissioner of Police, CP Bode Ojajuni, commended the gallantry, professionalism, courage, and operational effectiveness of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit, stating that the success reinforces the command’s resolve to relentlessly pursue kidnappers and other violent criminals wherever they may seek refuge.

The CP reiterated that Ogun State will remain hostile terrain for criminal elements and assured residents that it will continue to deploy intelligence-led policing, robust tactical operations, and strategic partnerships with communities to protect lives and property. 

Police kill two suspected kidnappers in gun duel, recover N2.2m, gun in Ogun

The Cross River State Government has acquired 730 electric vehicles, comprising 10 intercity buses, 20 shuttle buses, 500 tricycles, and 200 motorcycles, as part of an ambitious plan to transform public transportation, reduce commuting costs, and create economic opportunities for residents. The Commissioner for Transportation, Pastor Ekpenyong Cobham, disclosed this during a media interaction in […]

The post Cross River acquires 730 electric vehicles to revolutionise transportation appeared first on Tribune Online.

The Nigerian Hypertension Society, NHS, has called on the Federal Government and the National Health Insurance Agency, NHIA, to prioritise the availability and affordability of antihypertensive medicines.

It warned that the high cost of treatment is making it difficult for many Nigerians living with hypertension to manage the condition effectively.

The society said the appeal became necessary because hypertension is a lifelong disease that requires continuous treatment and management, making access to affordable medication critical, especially amid Nigeria’s current economic challenges.

The President of the Nigerian Hypertension Society, Prof. Simeon A. Isezuo, made the call while speaking at a press briefing on Monday in Port Harcourt.

According to him, the rising burden of hypertension in Nigeria remained a major public health concern, with many affected persons either unaware of their condition or unable to keep their blood pressure under control.

“In fact, one in every adult Nigerians has hypertension. And sadly, almost less than one in five of people with hypertension have their blood pressure under control,” he said.

Isezuo noted that poor control of hypertension had continued to expose many Nigerians to life-threatening complications such as stroke, chronic kidney disease, heart failure and heart attacks.

He said the consequences of the disease extend beyond health concerns, contributing to loss of lives, reduced productivity and increased financial pressure on affected families.

“Therefore, hypertension remains a silent killer in Nigeria,” he stated.

Despite the challenges, the NHS president said hypertension can be effectively managed when detected early and treated appropriately.

“There’s, however, a good news, and that is the fact that hypertension is treatable,” he said.

He identified lack of awareness as one of the major obstacles to controlling the disease, explaining that many people do not know they have hypertension because it often presents no symptoms.

Isezuo said NHS conference in Port Harcourt brought together doctors, nurses, pharmacists, researchers, policymakers and members of the public to discuss strategies for improving hypertension care and ensuring patients achieve recommended blood pressure targets.

He also urged Nigerians to regularly monitor their blood pressure and seek prompt medical attention where necessary.

“First, we want everybody, starting from those of us in this room, every Nigerian, to know their number.

“The number we are talking about is the blood pressure level. The only way one can know one’s number is by having the blood pressure checked,” he said.

The professor further appealed to journalists and media organisations to support efforts aimed at tackling misinformation about hypertension, particularly on social media platforms.

“Please, when you have to publish information, get an expert nearest to you and kindly confirm whether this is true or not before publication,” he advised.

He expressed confidence that increased public awareness, healthier lifestyles, regular blood pressure checks and improved access to treatment would help reduce the burden of hypertension and enable affected Nigerians to live healthy and productive lives.

Also speaking at the briefing, the Chief Medical Director of Rivers State University Teaching Hospital, RSUTH, Professor Chizindu Alikor, warned that hypertension remains a major public health challenge, particularly among pregnant women.

He said hypertension-related disorders in pregnancy, including preeclampsia, are major contributors to maternal mortality.

Professor Alikor stressed the need for increased public awareness, routine screening and early detection to reduce preventable deaths linked to hypertension and its complications.

Hypertension burden: Experts raise concern as cost of drugs soars