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Unlawful Detention: Dasuki Drags FG To ECOWAS Court
A former National Security Adviser, retired Colonel Mohammed Sambo Dasuki, has dragged the Federal Government before the Economic Community of West African States Court of Justice over his continued detention without trial since December 2015.
Dasuki, who was rearrested by operatives of the Department of State Services shortly after perfecting the third bail conditions granted him by Nigerian Courts, is asking the ECOWAS Court to enforce his fundamental rights as enshrined in the African Charter on the People and Human Right.
In the legal action, instituted by his counsel, Robert Emukpoeruo, the former NSA is asking the ECOWAS Court to declare as unlawful and unconstitutional and breach of his fundamental right his arrest since last year without a lawful court order.
The applicant also prayed the court to declare action of government in keeping him in a dehumanising condition after the bails as unlawful and violation of his right to dignity of human person, privacy and family life guaranteed and protected right under Section 34 and 37 of the Nigerian Constitution and Article 17 of the International Covention on Civil and Political Right and Article 12 of the Universal of Human Right.
He also asked the ECOWAS Court to declare the invasion of his privacy, home and correspondence at his Abuja and Sokoto homes between July 16 and 17, 2015 during Ramadan Fasting and forceful and unlawful seizures of his properties without any lawful order or warrant of a court,as a gross violation of his fundamental right under Section 44 of the Nigerian Constitution and other relevant laws.
Dasuki therefore prayed for an order for his release and that of his properties during the invasion of his houses.
Apart from seeking for his release to face adequately charges against him in courts, Dasuki also demanded a compensatory damages of N500 million against the government for its egregious violations of his right as guaranteed under the law.
However, at the hearing, the Federal Government through its counsel, T. A Gazalli, objected to Dasuki’s Case, arguing that the ECOWAS Court has no jurisdiction to enforce the bail conditions because it cannot sit as an appellate court to the Nigerian Court. He therefore urged the Court not to entertain the case.
But counsel to Dasuki, Wale Balogun, urged the Court to dismiss the objection of the Federal Government and assume jurisdiction on the breach of fundamental right as instituted by Dasuki.
Balogun told a Panel of three justices of ECOWAS Court, led by Justice Friday Chijioke Nwoke, that what Dasuki was asking for is the enforcement of his fundamental right to freedom, having been arrested and detained for more than three months without trial or any lawful court order.
Justice Nwoke, who had earlier granted expeditiously accelerated hearing in the matter, adjourned the case till April 11, 2016 for ruling on the jurisdiction of the court.
The 2025 annual general meeting (AGM) and conference of the Rivers/Bayelsa states chapter of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) has come to a close with a strong call for both states to drive the blue economy.
The communique just issued after the AGM pointed to what it called emerging prospects in fish processing, seaweed cultivation, ship repair, and marine technology.
The communique which also mentioned human capital gaps that must be filled through technical and vocational training that are aligned with modern industrial needs, said the blue economy represents a viable pathway for Nigeria’s industrialisation.
It said MAN and Arican Marine Environment Sustainability Initiative (AFMESI) have the capacity to unlock Nigeria’s blue economy sustainably and inclusively, but said the region required dedicated infrastructure upgrades, including roads, waterways, and power.
The communique was signed by Vincent Okuku (Chairman of Rivers/Bayelsa States Branch); Michael Nosa Agana (Branch Vice Chairman/Chairman AGM planning Committee); and Chibuzor Eze (Executive Secretary, Rivers/Bayelsa States Branch).
The resolutions said the future of the Niger Delta economy lies in diversification rather than dependence on extractive industries. “Technology and innovation, value addition and local processing, strategic infrastructure, and a skilled workforce are essential pillars for the future of manufacturing in the region.
“Governments in the region must intensify support for manufacturing activities. Various forms of collaboration across sectors should be actively encouraged.”
It specifically advised Bayelsa and Rivers States to fully develop and harness the blue economy as strategic gateways for sustainable growth; and called for cross-border partnerships with neighbouring states to enhance trade, security, and environmental management.”
The Rivers/Bayelsa States branch of MAN held its first (41st) AGM outside Port Harcourt for the first time, hosted by Bayelsa State Government at the Chief D.S.P. Alamieyeseigha Memorial Banquet Hall, with the theme: ‘Trade, Technology, and the Future of Manufacturing in the Niger Delta.’
In his welcome address, the chairman of the branch, Okuku, commended the Bayelsa State Government under the leadership of Gov Douye Diri for its efforts in industrial development, investment promotion, and strong partnership with the private sector.
He also acknowledged the Rivers State Government for its commitment to rehabilitating industrial clusters, improving access roads, and delivering key infrastructure.
He, however, expressed concern over persistent challenges such as high energy costs, unreliable electricity supply, weak transport systems, rising logistics expenses, multiple taxes and levies, inconsistent regulatory frameworks, and pressure from host communities, which continue to hinder manufacturing growth in both states.
The President of MAN, Francis Meshioye, noted that the Niger Delta, with its abundant resources and strategic location, holds vast potential for industrial expansion. He called for policy frameworks that promote local manufacturing, enhance trade, and attract investments to the region.
Goodwill messages were delivered by the Minister of the Federal Ministry of Regional Development, Abubakar Momoh, represented by Wasa Festus, Director of Community Development and Education. Another goodwill message was also presented by the Bayelsa State Commissioner for Trade, Industry and Investment, Ebieri Jones.
In his remarks, Gov Diri praised MAN for its contributions to Nigeria’s manufacturing sector, noting its resilience, innovation, and strategic role in national development. He stated that the conference theme aligns with his administration’s mantra of “Assured Prosperity.”
Gov Diri offered 24-hour service to manufacturers wishing to relocate to the state, and highlighted the State’s ongoing transformation through deliberate investment in infrastructure, security, and human capital aimed at positioning Bayelsa State as a hub for industrial growth, particularly in the blue economy, agriculture, and manufacturing.
He further noted that hosting the 41st AGM fulfilled a long-desired aspiration of the State following the successful 2024 MAN event in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. He officially declared the exhibition open.
The Nigerian Education Loan Fund has alerted the public to a fraudulent message circulating online, claiming that the NELFUND Student Loan Registration Portal is open.
The message directs applicants to a third-party link (http://gvly.xyz/Nelfund-Student-Loan, which NELFUND confirms is unauthorised and fraudulent.
In a post obtained from its X handle, yesterday, NELFUND urged students and the general public not to click on the link or provide any personal information, emphasising that the official loan registration portal is only accessible through the Fund’s verified channels.
The agency reminded applicants to exercise caution online and to report any suspicious links or communications claiming to be from NELFUND.
“Applicants are encouraged to always verify official announcements via NELFUND’s official website and social media channels,” NELFUND said.
This advisory comes as part of NELFUND’s ongoing efforts to safeguard students and ensure the integrity of the student loan application process.
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