ECOWAS Court Slams FG with N20 Million Fine Over 16-Year Detention of Nigerian Man Without Trial
In a major ruling that has stunned many Nigerians and raised fresh concerns about human rights abuses in the country, the ECOWAS Community Court of Justice has ordered the Federal Government of Nigeria to pay a whopping ₦20 million in damages to Mr. Moses Abiodun, a Nigerian man who was detained for an unbelievable 16 years without trial.
Yes, you read that right — sixteen years behind bars without ever facing a court of law.
The court, sitting on Thursday, didn’t just stop at awarding damages. It also gave a firm order for the immediate release of Mr. Abiodun, who has been held in detention since 2008 — all without being properly charged or tried in any Nigerian court.
Arrested by SARS, Forgotten by the System
According to the case filed before the court, Mr. Abiodun’s nightmare began in November 2008 when he was arrested by operatives of the now infamous Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS). For months, he was held in detention without trial or proper explanation.
Eventually, on March 23, 2009, he was taken before a Magistrate Court in Lagos, where he was remanded on provisional charges of conspiracy and armed robbery. But from that day forward, nothing happened. No trial, no formal charges, no updates — just 16 long, painful years locked up in prison.
This led Mr. Abiodun to drag the Federal Government of Nigeria before the ECOWAS Court, claiming that the government had violated his fundamental human rights.
What He Told the Court
Through his lawyer, Chigozie Uzodinma, Mr. Abiodun said he was unlawfully arrested and detained, and that his continuous imprisonment without trial violated multiple rights guaranteed under both Nigerian and international law.
He specifically pointed to violations of:
-
His right to liberty
-
His right to freedom of movement
-
His right to a fair trial
-
His right to be protected from cruel, inhuman, and degrading treatment
These rights, he argued, are clearly stated in the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, as well as other human rights instruments to which Nigeria is a signatory.
FG Denies Responsibility, but Court Disagrees
In its defense, the Federal Government surprisingly denied knowing anything about the SARS unit involved in the arrest. They even went as far as questioning the authenticity of the remand order that Mr. Abiodun submitted as evidence.
But the ECOWAS Court wasn't having it.
The judges reviewed the documents and found that the remand order provided by Mr. Abiodun was indeed authentic. It was a certified true copy, meaning it was legally valid. The court therefore rejected the government’s claims of forgery.
ECOWAS Court: Nigeria Violated All Four Key Human Rights
After carefully reviewing all the evidence, the court made it clear that it had the authority to hear the case. It referred to Article 9(4) of its Rules, which gives the court jurisdiction over cases involving human rights abuses.
It also ruled that the case was not too old to be heard (in legal terms, "not statute-barred"). The court emphasized that human rights violations are so serious that time limitations do not apply when dealing with such abuses.
On the substance of the case, the court ruled against the Federal Government of Nigeria on all four major counts. According to the court, the Nigerian authorities were guilty of:
-
Violating Mr. Abiodun’s right to liberty
-
Violating his right to freedom of movement
-
Violating his right to a fair trial within a reasonable time
-
Violating his right to freedom from cruel, inhuman, and degrading treatment
The court stated strongly that "16 years of detention without trial was unjustifiable, inhumane, and a clear breach of International Human Rights obligations."
Final Judgment: ₦20 Million Compensation + Freedom
At the end of the proceedings, the ECOWAS Court declared Mr. Abiodun a victim of grave injustice. They dismissed the Federal Government’s defense and ordered that he be immediately released from custody.
Most importantly, the court awarded him a ₦20 million compensation for the emotional, physical, and psychological damage he suffered during his long years of illegal detention.
A Lesson for Nigeria?
This ruling is more than just about one man. It’s a powerful reminder that Nigeria's justice system still has deep cracks. It shows how individuals can be lost in the system for years — or even decades — without anyone being held accountable.
It also shows the growing role of international courts like the ECOWAS Court in fighting for justice where national systems fail.
What happened to Moses Abiodun is not just a legal issue; it's a human tragedy. One that should never happen again.
Let us know in the comments: Do you think the ₦20 million compensation is enough for 16 years of lost freedom?
Stay with NaijaRush for more in-depth reports and updates on justice, human rights, and national issues that matter.
