The ECOWAS Court on Thursday dismissed a lawsuit filed by Nigerian woman Lovina Adonor, who sought compensation from the Federal Government for the destruction of her shrine.
Adonor, a self-proclaimed priestess, had filed suit ECW/CCJ/APP/61/22, requesting the court to enforce her fundamental human rights against Nigeria. She claimed that her shrine was attacked and vandalized by private individuals, forcing her to flee the community due to threats to her life.
Additionally, she accused the Nigerian government of failing to protect her, investigate her complaints, or address the destruction of her religious property. Adonor argued that these actions violated her right to practice her religion, her right to security, and her right to own property without discrimination, citing violations under ECOWAS regulations and international human rights instruments such as the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR).
However, delivering judgment, Justice Sengu Koroma, the Judge Rapporteur, dismissed Adonor’s request for reparations and a perpetual injunction against the government. The court found that she failed to establish a direct link between the alleged rights violation and the Nigerian government or its agents. It further stated that Nigeria had adequately investigated the matter, and the individuals responsible were private citizens who were detained and released after following due process.
The court also rejected Adonor’s claims under Articles 3, 6, 12, 14, and 21 of the ACHPR, noting a lack of sufficient facts and evidence to support her claims. It further stated that the Nigerian Constitution’s Section 43 was beyond its jurisdiction.
After reviewing the parties’ submissions, the court affirmed its jurisdiction over the case due to its relevance to alleged human rights violations within an ECOWAS member state. It also found the application admissible, as Adonor met the necessary procedural requirements and demonstrated her victim status.
The three-member panel, consisting of Justices Ricardo Gonçalves (presiding), Sengu Koroma (rapporteur), and Edward Asante (member), ordered both parties to bear their own costs. (NAN)
