Search Tips
sorted by
Cards viewTable viewMap view
30 shown of 394 entities

ECW/CCJ/JUD/27/26 - Société de Production et d’Exportation Banane Antilles (PACOBAN) v. Republic of Côte d’Ivoire

Preview
Type of Document
  • Judgement
Keywords
  • Admissibility
Case Headnotes
Applicant seeking compensation for its banana farm which was largely affected by the construction of a hydroelectric dam by CI-Energies.
Country
  • Côte d'Ivoire
Outcome
Ruled Inadmissible
Year Decided
May 18, 2026
Country Geolocation
Côte d'Ivoire: 7° 32′ 24″ N, 5° 32′ 49″ W
ECOWAS Court

ECW/CCJ/JUD/28/25- Lawyers Alert Initiative for Protecting the Rights of Children, Women and the Indigent v. Federal Republic of Nigeria

Preview
Type of Document
  • Judgement
Keywords
  • Arbitrary Arrest and Detention
  • Freedom from Discrimination
  • Human Rights Violations
  • Inadequate/Inappropriate Legal Provisions
  • Jurisdiction
  • Protection of Family and Vulnerable Groups
  • Rights and Welfare of the Child
  • Sexual and Gender Based Violence
  • Women's Rights
Case Headnotes
Challenge to vagrancy and criminal provisions in Nigeria’s Penal Code (1963, Northern Nigeria) and Criminal Code Act (1916, Southern Nigeria). Alleged arbitrary arrests, dehumanization, and imprisonment of vulnerable groups, especially sex workers. Claims of violations of human rights under the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights: Articles 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 10, 12, 18, and 19. Focus on protection of vulnerable groups, women, and children. Issues around inadequate/inappropriate legal provisions and freedom from discrimination. Involvement of civil society as amicus curiae (Alliance for the Decriminalisation of Petty Offences in Nigeria – ADPON).
Country
  • Nigeria
Outcome
Case Dismissed
Year Decided
May 14, 2025
Country Geolocation
Nigeria: 9° 4′ 55″ N, 8° 40′ 31″ E
ECOWAS Court

ECW/CCJ/JUD/02/25 - The Incorporated Trustees of Prince & Princess Charles Offokoja Foundation & Anor. v Nigeria

Preview
Type of Document
  • Ruling
Keywords
  • Admissibility
  • Competence of the Court
  • Human Rights Violations
  • Parties to a Suit
  • Reasonable Period of Time
  • Right to be Heard before a Competent Court
Case Headnotes
ECOWAS Court has jurisdiction over human rights violations under Article 9(4) of its Protocol. Mere allegation of human rights violation is sufficient to confer jurisdiction. The Court is not an appellate body for national court decisions but can hear claims of human rights violations arising from domestic proceedings. Cause of action exists when facts disclose a legal right, even if not yet legally maintained. Admissibility requires claimants to have victim status, not be anonymous, and not have the matter pending in another international court. NGOs with legal personality can represent victims in human rights claims. Representative actions require proof of victim status of grantor; indirect victims must provide credible evidence of relationship. Application dismissed due to lack of locus standi; grantors of mandate were neither direct nor indirect victims. Parties bear their own costs.
Country
  • Nigeria
Outcome
Ruled Inadmissible
Year Decided
May 13, 2025
Country Geolocation
Nigeria: 9° 4′ 55″ N, 8° 40′ 31″ E
ECOWAS Court

ECW/CCJ/JUD/26/19 Salifo Sawadogo v Burkina Faso

Preview
Type of Document
  • Judgement
Keywords
  • Immunity / Privileges (Diplomatic, Presidential, Parliamentary, etc)
  • Insurrection
  • Military Tribunals
  • State Internal Security
  • Transitional Justice
Case Headnotes
Following the failure of the military coup d'état in Burkina Faso on 16th September 2015, judicial information was opened against all persons who participated as author, co-author or accomplice of the coup; Accordingly, there were apparent elements from the investigation of this process likely to determinate the criminal liability of the applicant, Mr SAWADOGO Salifou, then a Parliament Member in the National Assembly; In view of the gravity of the facts, the Military Court wanted the applicant's criminal liability to be invoked, as those of other persons persecuted for the same facts.
Country
  • Burkina Faso
Outcome
Ruled Inadmissible
Year Decided
Sep 26, 2019
Country Geolocation
Burkina Faso: 12° 14′ 18″ N, 1° 33′ 42″ W
ECOWAS Court

ECW/CCJ/JUD/38/26 - Lacerda Yoann v. State of Cape Verde

Preview
Type of Document
  • Judgement
Keywords
  • Right to Health
Case Headnotes
Following the ECOWAS Court's judgment of 7 April 2025, which found that Cape Verde had not violated the Applicant's right to health and dismissed his claims, Lacerda Yoann filed an application seeking revision of that judgment. He argued that procedural irregularities had prevented him and his lawyer from fully participating in the proceedings and relied on alleged new medical evidence concerning his treatment.The ECOWAS Court held that an application for revision is an exceptional remedy available only where new facts of a decisive nature, previously unknown to both the Court and the applicant without negligence, are discovered after the judgment. The Court found that the facts relied upon by the Applicant were either already known to him or did not constitute decisive new facts capable of justifying revision. Consequently, it declared the application for revision inadmissible and ordered the Applicant to bear the costs.
Country
  • Cape Verde
Outcome
Ruled Inadmissible
Year Decided
Jun 25, 2026
Country Geolocation
Cape Verde: 16° 32′ 20″ N, 23° 2′ 30″ W
ECOWAS Court

ECW/CCJ/JUD/39/25 La Ligue Togolaise des Droits de l’Homme and Seven (07) Others v. Togo

Preview
Type of Document
  • Judgement
Keywords
  • Freedom of Assembly
  • Freedom of Association
  • Freedom of Movement
  • Human Rights Violations
  • Militia operations / Armed conflicts
  • Right to Physical and Moral Integrity
Case Headnotes
Human rights claims require credible, concrete evidence, not mere assertions. States bear positive obligations to protect rights but liability depends on failure to fulfill these duties demonstrably. Freedom of movement, assembly, and security rights are fundamental but may be subject to lawful restrictions. Allegations of militia violence require evidence linking the militias to the State for State responsibility. The ECOWAS Court will not rule on claims lacking proof of rights violations.
Outcome
Decided on Merits
Year Decided
Jul 7, 2025
Country Geolocation
Togo: 8° 37′ 10″ N, 0° 49′ 29″ E
ECOWAS Court

ECW/CCJ/JUD/17/25 - Lacerda Yoann v. Republic of Cabo Verde

Preview
Type of Document
  • Judgement
Keywords
  • Admissibility
  • Damages and Compensation
  • Economic, Social and Cultural Development
  • Exhaustion of Local Remedies
  • Human Rights Violations
  • Jurisdiction
  • Right to Health
Case Headnotes
In Lacerda Yoann v. Republic of Cabo Verde (Application No. ECW/CCJ/APP/38/23; Judgment No. ECW/CCJ/JUD/17/25, 7 April 2025), the ECOWAS Court of Justice confirmed its jurisdiction and declared the application admissible. The Applicant, a Cabo Verde citizen, claimed that the State violated his right to health under Article 16 of the African Charter, Article 12 of the ICESCR, and Article 25 of the UDHR, by failing to provide access to necessary medicines for his hereditary immunodeficiency. The Court found that the Defendant State had authorized the import of the medicine and provided guidance on accessing it, but the Applicant failed to follow the prescribed procedures. Consequently, the Court held that the Defendant did not violate the Applicant’s right to health, dismissed all other claims as unfounded, and ordered that the parties bear their own costs.
Country
  • Cape Verde
Outcome
Decided on Merits
Year Decided
Apr 7, 2025
Country Geolocation
Cape Verde: 16° 32′ 20″ N, 23° 2′ 30″ W
ECOWAS Court

ECW/CCJ/JUD/28/26 - Oyekunle Jide v. Federal Republic of Nigeria

Preview
Type of Document
  • Judgement
Keywords
  • Arbitrary Arrest and Detention
  • Freedom of Expression / Digital Rights
  • Protection of Privacy
  • Right to Dignity
  • Right to Privacy
  • Right to Property
Case Headnotes
Journalist Oyekunle Jide filed an application before the ECOWAS Court after alleging that, while covering the #EndBadGovernance protests in Abuja on 1 August 2024, Nigerian police assaulted him, detained him for approximately eight hours, confiscated his mobile phone, damaged his camera, and interfered with his work as a journalist. He further alleged violations of his freedom of expression, liberty, dignity, property, and privacy. The Court found that Nigeria unlawfully restricted his freedom of expression, arbitrarily deprived him of his liberty, subjected him to treatment contrary to human dignity, and unlawfully interfered with his property by confiscating his phone without legal justification. However, it found insufficient evidence to prove the alleged violation of privacy. The Court awarded ₦10 million in compensation for non-pecuniary damage and ordered Nigeria to report on implementation of the judgment within three months.
Country
  • Nigeria
Outcome
Decided on Merits
Year Decided
Jun 22, 2026
Country Geolocation
Nigeria: 9° 4′ 55″ N, 8° 40′ 31″ E
ECOWAS Court

MOSES ABIODUN V FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA

Preview
Type of Document
  • Judgement
Keywords
  • Admissibility
  • Arbitrary Arrest and Detention
  • Armed Robbery Allegations
  • Civil and Political Rights
  • Cruel and Degrading Treatment
  • Detention Facilities/Conditions
  • Freedom of Movement
  • Human Rights Violations
  • IHRDA
  • Jurisdiction
  • Personal Liberty
  • Police Brutality and Offences
  • Reasonable Period of Time
  • Right to Fair Trial
Case Headnotes
Jurisdiction & Admissibility – The Court has jurisdiction under Article 9(4) of its Protocol; the Application was admissible. Arbitrary Detention – Applicant was detained from 2009 to 2025 without trial or formal charges, violating Articles 6 and 9 of the African Charter/ICCPR. Freedom of Movement – Prolonged detention violated Article 12 of the African Charter/ICCPR. Right to Fair Trial – Detention without trial for over 16 years breached Article 7(1)(d) of the African Charter. Cruel & Inhuman Treatment – Prolonged pretrial detention constituted inhuman and degrading treatment (Articles 5 and 7). Reparations – Court ordered immediate release and payment of 20 million naira in compensation; each party bears its own costs.
Country
  • Nigeria
Outcome
Decided on Merits
Year Decided
May 15, 2025
Country Geolocation
Nigeria: 9° 4′ 55″ N, 8° 40′ 31″ E
ECOWAS Court

ECW/CCJ/JUD/35/25 Eliam Monsedjoueni Potey v. Republic of Côte d'Ivoire

Preview
Type of Document
  • Judgement
Keywords
  • Damages and Compensation
  • Equality Before the Law
  • Freedom from Discrimination
  • Human Rights Violations
  • Right to Practice a Profession
Case Headnotes
Jurisdiction: The ECOWAS Court has jurisdiction over alleged human rights violations by Member States. Admissibility: The case was admissible as the applicant was identified and no parallel international proceedings existed. Equality Before the Law: Alleged discrimination must be proven with objective evidence; mere claims are insufficient. Discretionary Promotion: Executive discretion in judicial promotions does not automatically violate equality rights. Reparations: Compensation is only awarded if a rights violation is established.
Country
  • Côte d'Ivoire
Outcome
Case Dismissed
Year Decided
Jul 2, 2025
Country Geolocation
Côte d'Ivoire: 7° 32′ 24″ N, 5° 32′ 49″ W
Comoros: 11° 38′ 44″ S, 43° 19′ 60″ E
ECOWAS Court

ECW/CCJ/JUD/38/25 KINSOUGBO AMELE v. TOGO

Preview
Type of Document
  • Judgement
Keywords
  • Admissibility
  • Best Interest of the Child
  • Cruel and Degrading Treatment
  • Damages and Compensation
  • Due Diligence
  • Freedom from Discrimination
  • Human Rights Violations
  • Right to Life
  • Rights and Welfare of the Child
Case Headnotes
Law enforcement officials must use force only as a last resort, particularly in protests. The State has a positive duty to protect the right to life and physical integrity of individuals, including children. Violations of rights to physical integrity and protection from cruel treatment attract reparations. Disabled children are entitled to special care and rehabilitation, but applicants must show that assistance was requested and denied. Lack of evidence on State negligence or failure to provide care can result in dismissal of related claims.
Country
  • Togo
Country Geolocation
Togo: 8° 37′ 10″ N, 0° 49′ 29″ E
ECOWAS Court

ECW/CCJ/RUL/03/26 - Orikri Rhahor v. Federal Republic of Nigeria

Preview
Type of Document
  • Ruling
Keywords
  • Death Sentence
  • Right to Dignity
  • Right to Fair Trial
  • Right to Life
Case Headnotes
Orikri Rhahor, a Nigerian citizen sentenced to death by hanging by the Delta State High Court on 10 July 2024, brought an application before the ECOWAS Court alleging that his criminal trial violated his fundamental human rights. He argued that the trial court relied entirely on the prosecution's evidence without properly considering his defence, resulting in an unfair trial and continued detention under a death sentence. Nigeria challenged the Court's jurisdiction, arguing that the ECOWAS Court could not review decisions of national courts. The ECOWAS Court rejected this objection, holding that while it is not an appellate court over national courts, it has jurisdiction to examine allegations that judicial decisions have resulted in human rights violations. The Court therefore declared the application admissible
Country
  • Nigeria
Outcome
Ruled admissible
Country Geolocation
Nigeria: 9° 4′ 55″ N, 8° 40′ 31″ E
ECOWAS Court

ECW/CCJ/JUD/23/25 -Kabirou Mbodje vs. the Republic of Senegal

Preview
Type of Document
  • Judgement
Keywords
  • Administration of Justice
  • Damages and Compensation
  • Jurisdiction
  • res judicata
  • Right to Fair Trial
Case Headnotes
Principle of Res Judicata (non bis in idem) and its application in criminal proceedings Right to a Fair Trial and Rights of Defence under international human rights law Legal implications of absence of the accused during trial and counsel’s role Claims for Damages and Compensation for alleged violations of legal rights Abuse of court process and vexatious litigation claims Jurisdiction of the ECOWAS Court of Justice in human rights matters
Country
  • Senegal
Outcome
Decided on Merits
Year Decided
Apr 12, 2025
Country Geolocation
Senegal: 14° 29′ 51″ N, 14° 27′ 9″ W
ECOWAS Court

ECW/CCJ/JUD/14/26 - The Incorporated Trustees of the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) v. Federal Republic of Nigeria

Preview
Type of Document
  • Judgement
Keywords
  • Freedom of Expression / Digital Rights
  • Freedom of Opinion
  • Right to Information
  • Right to Information / Digital Rights
  • Right to Privacy
Case Headnotes
SERAP challenged Nigeria's 2024 amendment to the Cybercrime Act, arguing that the cyberstalking provision (Section 24) was vague and had been used to suppress freedom of expression, information and media freedom through the harassment and prosecution of journalists, activists and social media users. Although the ECOWAS Court found the application admissible, it held that SERAP had not produced sufficient evidence either that the amended legislation was inherently incompatible with international human rights standards or that Nigerian authorities had arbitrarily applied it in the manner alleged. Accordingly, the Court dismissed all substantive claims on the merits and ordered each party to bear its own costs.
Country
  • Nigeria
Outcome
Case Dismissed
Year Decided
May 15, 2026
Country Geolocation
Nigeria: 9° 4′ 55″ N, 8° 40′ 31″ E
ECOWAS Court

ECW/CCJ/JUD/16/25 Dorothy Bebe V. Nigeria

Preview
Type of Document
  • Judgement
Keywords
  • Admissibility
  • Freedom from Discrimination
  • Human Rights Violations
  • Jurisdiction
  • Maputo Protocol
  • Rape
  • Reparations / Remedies
  • Right to Health
  • Rights and Welfare of the Child
  • Safe Medical Abortion
  • Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights
  • Women's Rights
Case Headnotes
The Applicant (Dorothy Bebe), a Nigerian citizen, alleges violation of her rights due to rape by a private individual and subsequent denial of safe abortion facilities. Applicant suffered mental and physical trauma, stigma, and discrimination due to denial of abortion access. The Defendant (Nigeria) denies violation, argues criminal nature of matter, lack of state responsibility for private acts, and cultural justification for abortion laws. The Court rejected Defendant’s preliminary objection on jurisdiction due to procedural grounds. The Court emphasized its jurisdiction to hear human rights violations but not to examine national laws in the abstract.
Country
  • Nigeria
Outcome
Decided on Merits
Year Decided
Apr 4, 2025
Country Geolocation
Nigeria: 9° 4′ 55″ N, 8° 40′ 31″ E
ECOWAS Court

ECW/CCJ/JUD/17/26 - High Chief Ambrose Albert Owuru v. Federal Republic of Nigeria

Preview
Type of Document
  • Judgement
Keywords
  • Participation in Government
  • Right to Fair Trial
Case Headnotes
The Applicant alleged that the Nigerian Supreme Court and its officials manipulated court processes relating to his presidential election appeal, thereby denying him a fair hearing and preventing him from assuming office as the alleged winner of the 2023 presidential election. The ECOWAS Court held that the allegations were unsupported by credible and sufficient evidence and dismissed the application in its entirety.
Country
  • Nigeria
Outcome
Decided on Merits
Year Decided
May 15, 2026
Country Geolocation
Nigeria: 9° 4′ 55″ N, 8° 40′ 31″ E
ECOWAS Court

ECW/CCJ/JUD/20/26 - Kamana Piyabalo v. Togolese Republic

Preview
Type of Document
  • Judgement
Keywords
  • Arbitrary Arrest and Detention
  • Right to Fair Trial
  • Right to Work
Case Headnotes
The applicant alleges human rights violations stemming from: false accusations of weapon theft, arrest and maltreatment by national security agencies, extended preventive detention (16 months) without charge or court appearance, and failure to reinstate him to the army as promised.
Country
  • Togo
Outcome
Decided on Merits
Year Decided
May 18, 2026
Country Geolocation
Togo: 8° 37′ 10″ N, 0° 49′ 29″ E
ECOWAS Court

ECW/CCJ/JUD/26/25 - Mariame Kone-Toure v. ECOWAS Commission

Preview
Type of Document
  • Judgement
Keywords
  • Administration of Justice
  • Admissibility
  • Equality
  • Equality Before the Law
  • Freedom from Discrimination
  • Jurisdiction
  • Procedures of Regional Judicial Mechanisms
  • Reparations / Remedies
  • Right to Practice a Profession
  • Right to Work
Case Headnotes
The Applicant challenged the fairness and legality of the recruitment process for the position of Head of Administration and Human Resources at the ECOWAS Court of Justice, alleging procedural irregularities, unequal treatment, and violation of her right to fair consideration for employment. The Court examined whether the ECOWAS Commission and the ECOWAS Court of Justice followed proper administrative procedures, respected equality among candidates, and ensured transparency in recruitment. The Court partially upheld the Applicant’s claims and issued appropriate remedies.
Country
  • ECOWAS / ECOWAS Organ
  • Nigeria
Outcome
Decided on Merits
Year Decided
May 13, 2025
Country Geolocation
Nigeria: 9° 4′ 55″ N, 8° 40′ 31″ E
ECOWAS Court

ECW/CCJ/JUD/11/12 Kemi Pinheiro (SAN) v The Republic of Ghana

Preview
Type of Document
  • Judgement
Keywords
  • Economic, Social and Cultural Development
  • Freedom of Movement
  • Right to Self-Determination
Case Headnotes
The Applicant was denied admission into Ghana Law School on the basis that he was not a citizen of Ghana. He filed this suit, claiming a violation of his rights under the ECOWAS Treaty and its Protocols, and the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights. The case was dismissed on the grounds that the Applicant lacked locus standi to file an action against an ECOWAS Member State.
Country
  • Ghana
Outcome
Case Dismissed
Year Decided
Jul 6, 2012
Country Geolocation
Ghana: 7° 56′ 47″ N, 1° 1′ 23″ W
ECOWAS Court

ECW/CCJ/JUD/20/18 - Gabriel Inyang & Linus Iyeme v Nigeria

Preview
Type of Document
  • Judgement
Keywords
  • Administration of Justice
  • Cruel and Degrading Treatment
  • Death Sentence
  • Detention Facilities/Conditions
  • False Imprisonment
  • Military Tribunals
  • Right to Fair Trial
  • Right to Life
  • Torture and Ill Treatment
Case Headnotes
The Applicants averred that they are citizens of the Federal Republic of Nigeria who are among people on death row in Nigeria after been sentenced by a Tribunal set up by the Military Government of Nigeria in 1995.
Country
  • Nigeria
Outcome
Decided on Merits
Year Decided
Jun 29, 2018
Country Geolocation
Nigeria: 9° 4′ 55″ N, 8° 40′ 31″ E
ECOWAS Court

ECW/CCJ/JUD/29/25 L'Association des Utilisateurs des Technologies de l'Information et de la Communication & Monsieur Ndiaga Gueye v. Senegal

Preview
Keywords
  • Admissibility
  • Freedom of Assembly
  • Freedom of Expression / Digital Rights
  • Human Rights Violations
  • Internet Shutdown
  • Jurisdiction
  • Regional Judicial Bodies
  • Right to Information
  • Right to Work
  • Telecommunications Regulation
Case Headnotes
The Applicants challenge the internet and social media shutdowns ordered by the Senegalese government in June and July 2023 during political unrest linked to the trial and conviction of opposition leader Ousmane Sonko. The Applicants claim these shutdowns violated fundamental rights to freedom of expression, access to information, freedom of assembly, and the right to work. The Respondent justifies the shutdowns as necessary for public order and security, denying any violation of rights.
Country
  • Senegal
Outcome
Decided on Merits
Year Decided
May 14, 2025
Country Geolocation
Senegal: 14° 29′ 51″ N, 14° 27′ 9″ W
ECOWAS Court

ECW/CCJ/JUD/23/18 - Financial Investment & Development Corporation (FIDC) v Liberia

Preview
Type of Document
  • Judgement
Keywords
  • Right to Fair Trial
  • Right to Property
Case Headnotes
The Applicants have filed this suit for a violation of their rights to fair hearing and their rights to property by the Respondent.
Country
  • Liberia
Outcome
Ruled Inadmissible
Year Decided
Jul 4, 2018
Country Geolocation
Liberia: 6° 25′ 41″ N, 9° 25′ 46″ W
ECOWAS Court

ECW/CCJ/JUD/24/26 - Mr. Ramaglia Guiseppe & Anor v. State of Côte d'Ivoire

Preview
Type of Document
  • Judgement
Keywords
  • Arbitrary Arrest and Detention
  • Right to Fair Trial
  • Right to Property
Case Headnotes
The applicants, Ramaglia Guiseppe and Vincenzo Giuliano, alleged that Côte d'Ivoire unlawfully arrested and detained them in connection with allegations of trafficking in contraband goods, violated their property rights, and failed to guarantee a fair trial. The ECOWAS Court found that while most of the alleged violations were not established, the excessive length of the criminal proceedings violated their right to be tried within a reasonable time. The Court therefore found a partial violation and awarded appropriate relief.
Country
  • Côte d'Ivoire
Outcome
Case Dismissed
Year Decided
May 18, 2026
Country Geolocation
Côte d'Ivoire: 7° 32′ 24″ N, 5° 32′ 49″ W
ECOWAS Court

ECW/CCJ/JUD/37/19 Women Against Violence and Exploitation in Society (WAVES) & Child Welfare Society, Sierra Leone (CWS SL) (On Behalf of Pregnant Adolescent School Girls in Sierra Leone) v. Sierra Leone

Preview
Type of Document
  • Judgement
Keywords
  • Best Interest of the Child
  • Education
  • Equality
  • Freedom from Discrimination
  • Right to Education
  • Rights and Welfare of the Child
  • Sexual and Gender Based Violence
  • Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights
  • Women's Rights
Case Headnotes
The application concerns violation of Pregnant Girls' Rights comprising the right to education and freedom from discrimination.
Country
  • Sierra Leone
Outcome
Decided on Merits
Year Decided
Jan 13, 2020
Country Geolocation
Sierra Leone: 8° 27′ 38″ N, 11° 46′ 48″ W
ECOWAS Court

ECW/CCJ/JUD/04/18 - Federation of African Journalists and Others v The Gambia

Preview
Type of Document
  • Judgement
Keywords
  • Arbitrary Arrest and Detention
  • Freedom of Expression / Digital Rights
  • Right to Dignity
  • Transitional Justice
Case Headnotes
The case concerns crackdown on journalists during the Jahmeh era for reportage that were not favourable to the regime. All journalists concerned eventually went on exile after acquitted and released.
Country
  • Gambia
Outcome
Decided on Merits
Year Decided
Feb 13, 2018
Country Geolocation
Gambia: 13° 26′ 35″ N, 15° 18′ 37″ W
ECOWAS Court

ECW/CCJ/JUD/15/26 - Centre for Community Law v. Federal Republic of Nigeria

Preview
Type of Document
  • Judgement
Keywords
  • Detention Facilities/Conditions
  • Personal Liberty
  • Right to Fair Trial
Case Headnotes
The Centre for Community Law, acting in the public interest, challenged Nigeria's systemic practice of prolonged pre-trial detention and overcrowded correctional facilities. Relying on official prison statistics, it argued that the large number of awaiting-trial inmates and poor detention conditions violated multiple human rights under the African Charter. The ECOWAS Court held that Nigeria had failed to rebut the Applicant's evidence and found that the prolonged detention of awaiting-trial inmates and overcrowded prison conditions constituted systemic human rights violations. The Court ordered Nigeria to establish mechanisms for periodic judicial review of prolonged detention cases, implement a comprehensive prison decongestion policy, adopt non-custodial measures for minor and bailable offences, and submit a compliance report within six months
Country
  • Nigeria
Outcome
Decided on Merits
Year Decided
May 15, 2026
Country Geolocation
Nigeria: 9° 4′ 55″ N, 8° 40′ 31″ E
ECOWAS Court

ECW/CCJ/JUD/22/25 Lat Diop v. Senegal

Preview
Type of Document
  • Judgement
Keywords
  • Abuse of Power
  • Admissibility
  • Arbitrary Restriction
  • Damages and Compensation
  • Freedom of Movement
  • Human Rights Violations
  • Jurisdiction
  • State Internal Security
Case Headnotes
The Court affirmed its jurisdiction on human rights violation claims under Article 9(4) of the ECOWAS Protocol. The Applicant, a former minister, was prevented from boarding an international flight without formal notification or procedure. The Court found the restriction arbitrary and illegal, violating Article 12(2) of the African Charter. The Defendant failed to justify the restriction legally. The Applicant was awarded general damages of 6 million CFA Francs. The Defendant was ordered to cease restrictions and bear all court costs.
Country
  • Senegal
Outcome
Decided on Merits
Year Decided
May 9, 2025
Country Geolocation
Senegal: 14° 29′ 51″ N, 14° 27′ 9″ W
ECOWAS Court

Kolawole O.A. Koiki v Federal Republic of Nigeria

Preview
Type of Document
  • Judgement
Keywords
  • Admissibility
  • Human Rights Violations
  • IHRDA
  • Jurisdiction
  • Reasonable Period of Time
  • Reparations / Remedies
  • Right to be Heard before a Competent Court
  • Right to Fair Trial
Case Headnotes
The Court found that the Respondent violated the Applicant’s right to a fair hearing within a reasonable time under Article 7(1)(d) of the African Charter. The failure to reconstitute the NHRC Governing Council for six years prevented the NHRC from completing the investigation. The Court awarded 5 million naira as compensation. Each party shall bear its own costs. Country:
Country
  • Nigeria
Outcome
Decided on Merits
Year Decided
Nov 17, 2025
Country Geolocation
Nigeria: 9° 4′ 55″ N, 8° 40′ 31″ E
ECOWAS Court

ECW/CCJ/JUD/24/25 -Solomon Ekolama & Anor. v. Nigeria

Preview
Type of Document
  • Judgement
Keywords
  • Admissibility
  • Civil and Political Rights
  • Competence of the Court
  • Damages and Compensation
  • Domestic/National Laws
  • Equality Before the Law
  • Human Rights Violations
  • Intellectual Property
  • Jurisdiction
  • Procedures of Regional Judicial Mechanisms
  • Right to Information / Digital Rights
  • Right to Property
  • State Internal Security
  • Theft
Case Headnotes
The ECOWAS Court held that although the Applicants proved ownership of their copyrighted software through a valid copyright certificate, the Respondent’s alleged copying and use of the software did not amount to a violation of the right to property under Article 14 of the African Charter, since the Applicants were not deprived of their proprietary interest. The Court found that allegations of theft fall within the realm of criminal law and lie outside the Court’s jurisdiction. The claim under Article 26 of the ICCPR for equality before the law was dismissed for lack of factual basis. Claims under the Berne Convention, WIPO treaties, and the Nigerian Constitution were found inadmissible. All human rights claims were ultimately dismissed.
Country
  • Nigeria
Outcome
Case Dismissed
Year Decided
May 12, 2025
Country Geolocation
Nigeria: 9° 4′ 55″ N, 8° 40′ 31″ E
ECOWAS Court

ECW/CCJ/JUD/21/25 - Charles Nii Armah Mensah v. Republic of Ghana and Gaming Commission

Preview
Type of Document
  • Decision
  • Judgement
Keywords
  • Abuse of Presidential Powers
  • Civil and Political Rights
  • Due Diligence
  • Freedom of Expression / Digital Rights
  • Implementation of Decisions
  • Jurisdiction
  • Personal Liberty
Case Headnotes
The ECOWAS Court ruled on the jurisdiction, admissibility, and merits of the dispute involving the rights of the applicant against the State and regulatory authority, addressing freedom of expression, due process, and implementation of national and regional legal provisions
Country
  • Ghana
Outcome
Case Dismissed
Year Decided
May 8, 2025
Country Geolocation
Ghana: 7° 56′ 47″ N, 1° 1′ 23″ W
ECOWAS Court

30 shown of 394 entities

30 more 300 more

  • Uwazi is developed by Human Rights Information and Documentation Systems

  •  
  • African Human Rights CLA 2.0
  •  
  • Library
  • Login