ECOWAS COURT KICKS OFF 2024-2025 LEGAL YEAR WITH 38 SCHEDULED CASES AND 20 JUDGMENTS

The Community Court of Justice, ECOWAS, has resumed its activities for the 2024-2025 legal year,
with 38 cases set for hearings by the end of September at its headquarters in Abuja, following a twomonth judicial vacation. The court also scheduled the delivery of 20 judgments including rulings
during this period.
On September 24, 2024, the Court began its first session with hearings for seven cases:
• Rev. John Joseph Hayab v. The Federal Republic of Nigeria
• Meville Roberts v. The Republic of Gambia
• Alhaji Barry v. The ECOWAS Commission & Anor
• The Incorporated Trustees of Expression Now Human Rights Initiative v. The Republic of
Nigeria
• Portia Otto Alagba & 2 Ors v. The Federal Republic of Nigeria
• Chief Festus A. Ogwuche & 25 Ors v. The Federal Republic of Nigeria & 15 Ors
• Mamadou Cellou Dalein Diallo & Ors v. Etat de Guinee
Presiding over the session, the President of the Court, Justice Edward Amoako Asante, extended a
warm welcome to the legal professionals and his colleagues, marking the beginning of the new legal
year. He emphasized the importance of the upcoming months, stating:
“We acknowledge that there are significant cases and pending matters that will demand our
attention in the coming months. The Court remains committed to addressing these diligently, in line
with our mandate.”
At the end of the session, several cases were adjourned, including:
• Rev. John Joseph Hayab vs The Federal Republic of Nigeria (ECW/CCJ/APP/40/23) –
adjourned to November 13, 2024
• Portia Otto Alagba & 2 Ors vs The Federal Republic of Nigeria (ECW/CCJ/APP/37/19) –
adjourned to November 13, 2024

• Mamadou Cellou Dalein Diallo & Ors vs Etat de Guinea (ECW/CCJ/APP/52/20) – adjourned to
November 13, 2024
• Alhaji Barry vs The ECOWAS Commission & Anor (ECW/CCJ/APP/14/23) – adjourned sine die
for consolidation
Additionally, the following cases were adjourned for judgment:
• Meville Roberts v. The Republic of Gambia (ECW/CCJ/APP/65/21)
• The Incorporated Trustees of Expression Now Human Rights Initiative v. The Republic of
Nigeria (ECW/CCJ/APP/41/23)
One case, Chief Festus A. Ogwuche & 25 Ors v. The Federal Republic of Nigeria & 15 Ors
(ECW/CCJ/APP/33/23), was discontinued upon application of the applicant.
The ECOWAS Court of Justice remains steadfast in its commitment to promoting regional
integration, justice, and respect for human rights across West Africa.