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.

Iran left a message saying “may peace, respect and friendship prevail among all nations” following their World Cup group match against Belgium at Los Angeles Stadium.

The handwritten note was left in their dressing room following a goalless draw in their second Group G game.

Iran are competing at the World Cup while their country and the United States – who are co-hosts along with Canada and Mexico – are in negotiations to end their war.

“From the ancient Persia of thousands of years ago to the civilised Iran of today, the spirit of Iran remains alive and steadfast,” read the message, which was released by the Football Federation of Iran (FFIRI).

“We came to Los Angeles with pride, competed with honour, and leave with dignity,” the note continued.

“Thank you Los Angeles for your hospitality.

“And thank you to every Iranian who gave their heart, voice and soul for Iran throughout these 180 minutes.

“May peace, respect and friendship prevail among all nations.”

The message also made reference to an attack on a girls’ school in Minab, where at least 168 people were killed on the first day of the war.

Iran played their opening match – a 2-2 draw with New Zealand – at Los Angeles Stadium, and will play their third and final group game against Egypt in Seattle on 27 June (04:00 BST).

Their involvement in the World Cup has been plagued with uncertainty, linked to the war in the Middle East and related security concerns.

Multiple “integral” members of their backroom staff were denied entry visas for the US while the FFIRI called on Fifa to “uphold the principles of neutrality, fairness, and established regulations” after its allocation of tickets was revoked on the eve of the tournament.

Iran subsequently switched their base for the World Cup from Arizona in the US to Tijuana in Mexico, and face strict travel restrictions during their campaign.

They are allowed to fly into the US a day before they have a game and have to leave the country on the same day as the match, under the conditions of their visas.

This led to Iran head coach Amir Ghalenoei saying they are the “most oppressed” team at the tournament following the draw with New Zealand.

However, Andrew Giuliani, the executive director of the White House’s World Cup taskforce, says there are “discussions going on” about the timings for Iran’s travel to and from their game against Egypt.

– BBC

The Rivers State Police Command has ordered the arrest and detention of a police officer, ASP Omomefe Akin Geoffrey, and other officers accused of extorting members of the public, following the circulation of a viral video and reports of their extortion acts on social media. 

In a statement issued on Tuesday by its Public Relations Officer, ASP Agabe Blessing Kaborlo, the Command said it had taken the allegations seriously, stressing that such conduct runs contrary to the ethics and professional standards of the Nigeria Police Force.

Kaborlo stated that the Commissioner of Police in Rivers State, Olugbenga Adepoju, directed the immediate arrest, detention, and investigation of the officers involved.

“The Rivers State Police Command has taken cognizance of a video and reports circulating on social media alleging that ASP Omomefe Akin Geoffrey and other police officers were involved in extorting money from members of the public while carrying out their duties,” Kaborlo stated.

Police

“The Command views the allegations with utmost seriousness, as such conduct is inconsistent with the core values, ethics, and professional standards of the Nigeria Police Force.

“Consequently, the Commissioner of Police, Rivers State Command, Olugbenga Adepoju, has ordered their arrest, detention, and immediate investigation of the allegation.”

The Command reiterated that extortion, illegal collection of money, and other forms of misconduct by police personnel would not be tolerated.

“The Commissioner of Police reiterates that extortion, illegal collection of money, and any form of unprofessional conduct by police personnel will not be tolerated under any circumstances,” Kaborlo added.

“He emphasised that the Command remains committed to ensuring that officers conduct themselves in a manner that promotes public trust, accountability, and respect for human rights.”

According to the police, the investigation would be conducted thoroughly and impartially, with any officer found guilty facing disciplinary measures in line with the law and the Nigeria Police Act.

“CP Adepoju assures the public that the investigation will be thorough, transparent, and impartial. Any officer found culpable will face appropriate disciplinary actions in accordance with the provisions of the law and the Nigeria Police Act,” Kaborlo said.

The Command also commended members of the public for exposing alleged misconduct and urged citizens to continue reporting cases of corruption, abuse of office, and other unprofessional acts through official complaint channels.

Kaborlo added that the Rivers State Police Command remained committed to professional policing, discipline, integrity, and quality service delivery to residents of the state.