Abuja-Kaduna Train Attack: ECOWAS Court dismisses SERAP’s compensation suit

7 hours ago 1

The ECOWAS Court of Justice on Thursday dismissed a suit filed by the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP), seeking N50 million compensation from Nigeria for each Abuja-Kaduna train attack victim.

The News Agency of Nigeria ((NAN) reports that terrorists had in March 2022, bombed an Abuja-Kaduna rail line near Rigasa, Kaduna, and attacked over 970 passengers onboard, resulting in fatalities, injuries, and abductions.

Delivering judgment, the court held that SERAP’s claims were inadmissible because they failed to meet the ‘victim status’ requirement essential for litigation under Article 10(d) of the same Protocol.

Justice Dupe Atoki, who delivered the judgement, said that although SERAP claimed to be acting in the public interest, the suit lacked ‘victim status’, which is required for public interest litigation.

“The court recognises its jurisdiction to hear the case as it involved potential human rights violations within a member state, in accordance with Article 9(4) of the ECOWAS Supplementary Protocol.

“However, the court determines that the case does not meet the criteria for a public interest action, or actio popularis, which requires that the alleged violations affect a large, indeterminate segment of the public or the general public itself.

“The victims of the March 28 attack were identifiable individuals rather than an indeterminate public group, making the claim unsuitable as a public interest litigation,” the Community Court ruled.

Article Page with Financial Support Promotion

Nigerians need credible journalism. Help us report it.

Support journalism driven by facts, created by Nigerians for Nigerians. Our thorough, researched reporting relies on the support of readers like you.

Help us maintain free and accessible news for all with a small donation.

Every contribution guarantees that we can keep delivering important stories —no paywalls, just quality journalism.

The court further held that the reliefs sought by the claimants, including specific monetary compensation, should have been directed at the identifiable victims of the attack, rather than the public at large.

NAN reports that no fewer than 150 victims of the incident are still unaccounted for.

The three-member panel also consisted of Justice Ricardo Gonçalves (presiding) and Justice Sengu Koroma (member).

(NAN)



Support PREMIUM TIMES' journalism of integrity and credibility

At Premium Times, we firmly believe in the importance of high-quality journalism. Recognizing that not everyone can afford costly news subscriptions, we are dedicated to delivering meticulously researched, fact-checked news that remains freely accessible to all.

Whether you turn to Premium Times for daily updates, in-depth investigations into pressing national issues, or entertaining trending stories, we value your readership.

It’s essential to acknowledge that news production incurs expenses, and we take pride in never placing our stories behind a prohibitive paywall.

Would you consider supporting us with a modest contribution on a monthly basis to help maintain our commitment to free, accessible news? 

Make Contribution




TEXT AD: Call Willie - +2348098788999






PT Mag Campaign AD

Visit Source