By: Sunday Ameh
The Community Court of Justice of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has fixed hearing for a landmark human rights case filed against the Federal Republic of Nigeria and several top government officials over the alleged unlawful detention and persecution of human rights activist, Comrade Ighorhiohwunu Aghogho.
Aghogho, a known child rights advocate and founder of Operation Save Nigeria Children, is challenging the Nigerian government and its senior judicial, security, and political figures for what he described as “contempt of international judicial authority, abuse of power, and violation of fundamental human rights.”
The case, filed under Suit No. ECW/CCJ/APP/28/25, accuses the Nigerian state of detaining Aghogho for more than 600 days at the Medium and Security Custodial Centre in Warri, Delta State, without trial, under a cyberstalking charge allegedly filed without the consent of the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF).
In a significant twist, the Federal Ministry of Justice reportedly admitted in a statement of defence dated July 31, 2025, that the prosecution was indeed undertaken “without the knowledge and consent” of the AGF — a requirement under Nigerian law.
Despite this admission, Aghogho remains in custody after his bail was controversially revoked in June 2025 by Justice H.A. Nganjiwa of the Federal High Court, Warri. The activist insists that his re-arrest was retaliation for exposing child trafficking and illegal adoption networks allegedly protected by state officials in Delta State.
The ECOWAS suit names a long list of defendants, including the Chief Justice of Nigeria, several sitting and retired judges, top officials of the Delta State Ministry of Justice, and heads of federal agencies such as the Inspector-General of Police, EFCC Chairman, and DSS Director-General. The Governor of Delta State, Sheriff Oborevwori, and members of the Delta State House of Assembly were also cited.
Through his counsel, Andrew N. Elekeokwuri, Aghogho is asking the ECOWAS Court to impose sanctions on Nigeria and its agents for breaching regional and international laws, including the ECOWAS Revised Treaty, the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR).
He is also seeking his immediate release from custody, a declaration that his detention is illegal, and punitive sanctions against implicated officials. The application further calls for possible referral of the case to the International Criminal Court (ICC) if Nigeria fails to comply with any judgment delivered by the regional court.
Observers describe the case as one of the most consequential human rights trials in ECOWAS history, with the potential to test the limits of state accountability in the region. The hearing is expected to take place at the ECOWAS Court of Justice in Abuja.
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