The Lagos State Government has urged residents of Eti-Osa, Ibeju-Lekki and Epe to remain alert and adopt preventive measures against Ebola Virus Disease, EVD, as part of efforts to safeguard public health.

A statement issued by the Lagos state government quoted the Permanent Secretary of Health District III, Dr. Monsurat Adeleke, as saying residents should remain vigilant and adopt preventive measures against Ebola Virus Disease.

According to Adeleke, Ebola Virus Disease is caused by Ebola viruses and can result in severe illness and death if not detected and managed promptly.

She explained that Health District III has intensified community sensitisation programmes aimed at reducing the risk of infection and protecting residents across the affected areas.

The Permanent Secretary noted that the disease spreads mainly through direct contact with the blood, saliva, vomit and other bodily fluids of infected persons or animals.

To prevent transmission, she advised residents to avoid contact with sick persons, dead bodies and wild animals such as bats and monkeys. She also urged members of the public to maintain proper personal hygiene, make regular use of hand sanitisers and avoid eating undercooked meat.

Adeleke stressed the importance of public awareness and adherence to safety measures, noting that prevention remains the most effective way to curb the spread of the disease.

“Although there is no confirmed Ebola outbreak in Nigeria at this time, vigilance, prompt reporting, adherence to infection prevention measures, and community awareness remain essential to protecting lives and preventing the spread of the disease. As such, Health District III is working with relevant agencies to strengthen surveillance, public awareness, and emergency preparedness across Eti-Osa, Ibeju-Lekki, and Epe,” she said.

Foremost constitutional lawyer and human rights crusader, Professor Mike Ozekhome, has been relieved of the prestigious rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria, SAN.

Ozekhome, a professor of law, was suspended from the SAN rank by the Legal Practitioners’ Privileges Committee (LPPC) at its 173rd General Meeting.

A statement by the LPPC, signed by its Secretary, Mr. Kabiru Eniola Akanbi, explained that the action was taken against Ozekhome pursuant to Paragraph 26(6) of the Guidelines for the Conferment of the SAN Rank and matters pertaining to the rank.

Akanbi, who also doubles as the Chief Registrar of the Supreme Court of Nigeria, further stated that the action is pending the final determination of the disciplinary proceedings presently before the Disciplinary and Ethics Sub-Committee of the LPPC.

According to the statement, the suspension of Ozekhome is intended to safeguard the integrity, dignity and prestige of the SAN rank.

The LPPC has therefore barred Ozekhome from parading himself as, or otherwise holding himself out to be, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria pending the final determination of the disciplinary proceedings.

According to the statement, “The LPPC remains committed to upholding the highest standards of professional ethics, integrity and discipline within the legal profession and to ensuring that the rank of SAN continues to command public confidence and respect.”

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.