Connect with us

Nigeria News (Standard)

ECOWAS Court Orders Nigerian Government to Pay ₦10 Million for Assault on Abuja Journalist

Judgment follows police attack on NUJ FCT Chairman Jide Oyekunle during 2024 protest coverage; government yet to respond

Published

on

Judgment follows police attack on NUJ FCT Chairman Jide Oyekunle during 2024 protest coverage; government yet to respond

The ECOWAS Community Court of Justice has ordered the Nigerian Government to pay ₦10 million in damages to journalist Jide Oyekunle, after finding that his rights were violated by police officers during the ‘End Bad Governance’ protests at Eagle Square, Abuja in August 2024. The ruling was delivered on June 22, 2026, following a suit filed by Avocats Sans Frontières France under its EU-backed eRIGHTS project.

According to court documents, Oyekunle—who is Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Federal Capital Territory chapter—was physically assaulted, detained without cause and had his mobile phone seized by security operatives while reporting live from the protest scene. The court held that these actions interfered with his professional duties and breached his right to freedom of expression as guaranteed under regional human rights instruments.

This judgment comes amid ongoing concerns about press freedom and police conduct in Nigeria. Observers note that journalists covering demonstrations and politically sensitive events have often faced intimidation or arbitrary detention, raising questions about respect for fundamental rights. Press advocacy groups say the court’s decision is significant for accountability and could set a precedent for other journalists seeking redress.

Avocats Sans Frontières France welcomed the outcome, stating it reflects the importance of protecting digital and human rights in Nigeria. The Nigerian Government has not issued any official statement regarding the ruling as at press time. Efforts to reach Ministry of Justice officials for comment were unsuccessful.

With this decision, stakeholders expect renewed calls for reforms within law enforcement agencies and greater safeguards for media practitioners. Legal experts say compliance with the ECOWAS Court’s judgment will be closely watched both locally and across West Africa.

Source: https://guardian.ng/news/nigeria/metro/asf-secures-n10m-judgment-against-fg-over-attack-on-journalist/

Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Nigeria News (Standard)

Lagos Employers Prioritise AI Skills as Job Market Shifts Towards Digital Efficiency

Major recruiters now seek professionals who can blend technology with creativity, as AI reshapes employment criteria in Nigeria

Published

on

Major recruiters now seek professionals who can blend technology with creativity, as AI reshapes employment criteria in Nigeria

Top employers in Lagos are increasingly prioritising candidates with artificial intelligence (AI) skills, signalling a major shift in recruitment practices across Nigeria’s commercial capital. The development, which became evident on Tuesday, follows growing industry emphasis on digital competence and adaptability in the workplace.

According to insights from leading recruitment platform Jobberman, companies are no longer simply looking for traditional qualifications but are actively seeking professionals who can combine human intuition with the speed and accuracy of AI tools. Employers say that while AI will not entirely replace workers, those who fail to adopt emerging technologies risk being left behind by colleagues who do.

Industry stakeholders note that staying relevant does not necessarily require programming knowledge. Rather, it involves learning to leverage AI solutions for tasks such as research, automation of repetitive duties, and enhancing daily productivity. As digital tools become standard in offices from Victoria Island to Ikeja, core human qualities like creativity, critical thinking, leadership and emotional intelligence have become more valuable than ever.

Speaking on the trend, a Jobberman spokesperson explained: “We are seeing employers move beyond just academic certificates. They now want staff who can use technology to add value—whether it is automating reports or finding smarter ways to work.” The spokesperson advised job seekers to remain curious and open to new skills, stressing that willingness to learn will be a key factor in securing jobs moving forward.

Labour market analysts believe this evolution will continue as Nigerian firms face increasing global competition and pressure to deliver results faster. Many predict that those who view technology as a collaborator—rather than a threat—will be best positioned for career growth. As at press time, several multinational firms operating in Lagos had rolled out internal training programmes aimed at upskilling employees in AI literacy.

Source: https://www.pulse.ng/story/ai-wont-take-your-job-but-someone-using-ai-might-2026062511122451400

Continue Reading

Nigeria News (Standard)

Wike Urges PDP Aspirants in Rivers to Prepare for Tough 2027 Power Contest

Former Governor warns party hopefuls that reclaiming political control will require serious effort and unity

Published

on

Former Governor warns party hopefuls that reclaiming political control will require serious effort and unity

Former Governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike, has called on Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidates in the state to brace themselves for a challenging struggle ahead of the 2027 general elections. Wike gave this charge on Thursday, 25 June, during a meeting with party stakeholders in Port Harcourt.

He emphasised that the road to regaining political power will not be easy for the PDP, warning aspirants that victory will only come through determination and hard work. According to him, “Politics is not served à la carte. You must be ready to fight for it if you want to win.”

Wike’s remarks come at a time when internal divisions and defections have weakened the PDP’s hold in several states, including Rivers. The All Progressives Congress (APC) has continued to consolidate its position in the South-South zone, raising concerns among PDP loyalists about the party’s readiness for future polls.

Addressing the gathering, Wike urged all aggrieved members to put aside personal grievances and work towards a common goal. He insisted that unity within the party is crucial if it hopes to challenge APC dominance in subsequent elections.

The former governor also cautioned aspirants against relying on external influence or expecting an easy ride in clinching party tickets. He maintained that only those who are prepared to mobilise grassroots support stand a realistic chance of success.

As preparations intensify ahead of the 2027 polls, political observers say the outcome of intra-party reconciliation efforts will play a key role in determining the PDP’s performance across Rivers State and beyond.

Source: https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/more-news/890604-2027-be-prepared-to-struggle-for-power-wike-tells-pdp-candidates.html

Continue Reading

Nigeria News (Standard)

Supreme Court of Nigeria Set to Launch Electronic Filing and Case Management Platform

Digital transition aims to improve case handling speed and transparency across courts; lawyers, litigants to access services remotely

Published

on

Digital transition aims to improve case handling speed and transparency across courts; lawyers, litigants to access services remotely

The Supreme Court of Nigeria has announced plans to introduce an electronic filing system and case management platform, marking a significant step towards the digital transformation of the country’s judiciary. The new system, expected to be rolled out in Abuja before the end of June 2026, will allow legal practitioners and litigants to file cases and track proceedings electronically.

According to officials familiar with the development, the electronic filing platform is designed to reduce manual paperwork and improve efficiency in handling legal matters at the apex court. The move comes as part of broader efforts to address longstanding complaints about delays in case processing and limited access to court services.

The planned launch follows calls from legal stakeholders for greater transparency and faster adjudication of cases within Nigeria’s judicial system. The adoption of digital tools by the Supreme Court is expected to set a precedent for other courts nationwide. Legal experts have noted that such reforms are crucial for restoring public confidence and ensuring timely justice delivery.

While no official statement from the Chief Justice had been released as at Thursday, judiciary sources said training for court staff and lawyers on using the platform is underway. The Nigerian Bar Association has previously advocated for digitalisation as a means of reducing congestion in courtrooms and cutting costs associated with physical filings.

The introduction of electronic filing at Nigeria’s highest court could pave the way for similar innovations at lower courts across all geopolitical zones. Observers say successful implementation may help modernise legal practice in the country, though some have cautioned that adequate infrastructure and user training will be essential for sustained impact.

Source: https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/top-news/890615-supreme-court-to-launch-electronic-filing-system-case-management-platform.html

Continue Reading