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CJN Urges ECOWAS Court to Strengthen Judgment Enforcement

Published

8 months ago

February 17, 2026

CJN Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun urges ECOWAS Court to develop uniform procedures for judgment enforcement and consult stakeholders

Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, the Chief Justice of Nigeria, has urged the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Court of Justice to develop clear guidelines to ensure the enforcement of its judgments by member states.

The call was made on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, in Abuja during a courtesy visit by the Court’s President, Justice Ricardo Goncalves, and a delegation of judges.

Also read: Yemi Osinbajo leads ECOWAS mission for Ivorian election

Justice Goncalves highlighted that a lack of political will and other challenges had resulted in approximately 80 per cent of the court’s judgments remaining unenforced.

He encouraged Nigeria to lead by example, stressing that compliance from one member state could inspire broader adherence across the sub-region.

Responding, Justice Kekere-Ekun commended the ECOWAS Court for its landmark rulings on fundamental human rights.

She emphasised that enforcement ultimately falls within the remit of the executive and advised the Court to use its upcoming Bilateral Meeting on the Status of Judgments to establish uniform procedures.

The Chief Justice further recommended wide stakeholder consultations to rework existing enforcement guidelines and pledged support for training initiatives through the National Judicial Institute.

Three other Justices of the Supreme Court John Inyang Okoro, Adamu Jauro, and Chioma Iheme-Nwosu—were also present at the meeting.

Also read: Nigeria, AU, ECOWAS Condemn Benin Coup Attempt

The engagement underscores Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening regional judicial cooperation and advancing the implementation of ECOWAS Court rulings.

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Health

Kenya Releases 20 Ebola Contacts After 21 Days in Quarantine

Published

11 hours ago

October 26, 2026

Peculiar Adirika

Kenya Ebola contacts: 20 people have been released after 21 days in quarantine without symptoms as health authorities continue outbreak monitoring

Kenya has released 20 people linked to its first imported case of Bundibugyo virus disease after they completed 21 days of quarantine without developing symptoms, as health authorities continue efforts to contain the outbreak.

Also read: 2027: Shettima Says Peter Obi Has Nothing to Offer Nigerians

The World Health Organisation’s Regional Office for Africa announced the development on Monday, October 26, 2026, saying the individuals had undergone final health assessments and received counselling on precautions and follow-up care where necessary before reuniting with their families.

Kenya’s Director-General for Health, Dr Patrick Amoth, urged communities to welcome the released individuals without stigma.

“We ask communities to welcome them home warmly,” Amoth said. “Having completed 21 days without symptoms, they pose no risk of infection to anyone.”

The WHO said 98 contacts remained in quarantine as of Monday, while eight contacts had developed symptoms and tested positive for Ebola through laboratory tests.

According to the organisation, all eight individuals were already in quarantine when they developed symptoms and were subsequently transferred to the country’s Ebola treatment centre in Nairobi.

Kenya has recorded nine confirmed cases and two deaths since reporting its first imported case on October 6, 2026.

The WHO said all nine cases were linked to the same cluster, with no evidence of wider community transmission at the time of its update.

The organisation said health authorities had traced all 135 contacts, both within Kenya and internationally, by October 22, placing them under quarantine and monitoring.

The WHO continues to support Kenya’s response through coordination, disease surveillance, contact tracing, laboratory testing, case management, infection prevention and control, screening at points of entry, and public health communication.

The WHO Representative to Kenya, Dr Neema Rusibamayila Kimambo, said people who completed quarantine had helped protect their families and communities.

“People who complete quarantine have helped protect their families, their communities and the whole country,” she said.

Kimambo also commended Kenya’s Ministry of Health, the Kenya National Public Health Institute, and national and county health teams for responding to new cases.

The WHO said there was no licensed vaccine or specific treatment for Bundibugyo virus disease, but early detection and supportive medical care could improve the chances of recovery.

It advised against travel restrictions, recommending evidence-based measures such as health screening at entry and exit points, surveillance and contact tracing instead.

Also read: 2027: Shettima Says Peter Obi Has Nothing to Offer Nigerians

Although the release of the first 20 contacts marks progress in Kenya’s response, health authorities continue to monitor those still in quarantine and maintain surveillance to identify any further cases promptly.