The Ecowas court in suit no: ECW/CCJ/APP/43/21 between Patrick Eholor V. Federal Republic of Nigeria has now scheduled and slated a hearing for the case on 23rd October 2023.
The suit, which was filed by human rights lawyer, Samuel Ihensekhien Junior on behalf of the president of the One Love Foundation Chief Patrick Eholor has been adjourned for a full hearing of this case to 23rd October 2023. The case also seeks damages and restraining orders against the Nigerian government, to prevent the Federal Government and NBC from enforcing Sections 5, 4, 3, and 1 of the NBC code on all broadcasting stations.
The sections relate to reportage and give details of security issues and persons affected by insurgency and terrorism in Nigeria. But the group through his lawyer argues that the actions offend all relevant laws and the African Charter on Media and Broadcasting Rights and Freedom of Press.
The foundation had in a suit No. ECW/CCJ/APP/43/21 in 2021 sought an order of the court directing the then-former President Muhammadu Buhari-led government and the National Broadcasting Corporation, a government agency, to desist from enforcing Section 5, 4, 3, 1 of the NBC code on all broadcasting stations. It should be noted that the Ecowas court before now had slammed the sum of N500,000 representing awarded costs alongside the earlier one of N250,000 against the AGF and the Federal Republic of Nigeria and which is to be paid before the next court sitting, at the last court sitting over there incompetent preparation and non-challenge in the defense of this case.
The ECOWAS court which last heard the matter on 30th May 2023, has now scheduled the matter to 23rd October 2023 for a final hearing.
