A high-stakes legal battle is unfolding at the Community Court of Justice of ECOWAS in Abuja, following the court’s formal registration of a human rights application brought by Orikri Rhahor, a Nigerian death row inmate.
The suit, ECW/CCJ/APP/34/25, filed on July 17, 2025, challenges the legitimacy of Rhahor’s 2024 trial, conviction, and death sentence handed down by the Delta State High Court. Rhahor, through his lawyer Andrew N. Elekeokwuri of Andrew Ewoh & Co., is accusing the Federal Republic of Nigeria of multiple human rights violations, including denial of fair trial and cruel, inhuman treatment.
At the heart of Rhahor’s complaint is the conduct of his trial in Charge No. EHC/35C/2020. He was sentenced to death by hanging on July 10, 2024, by Justice Michael Nduka Obi. Shockingly, according to certified judgment documents presented to the ECOWAS Court, the judge held that the accused’s “defence rested on the case of the prosecution.”
Rhahor argues this meant no proper defence was presented, no witnesses were called on his behalf, and prosecution evidence went unchallenged. Legal experts have flagged this as a grave miscarriage of justice, particularly given the life-or-death stakes.
Citing Section 36 of the Nigerian Constitution, Articles 6 and 7 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, and relevant ECOWAS and international protocols, Rhahor contends that:
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His right to fair hearing was violated;
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He suffered ineffective legal representation;
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His conviction and sentence are arbitrary and unlawful;
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He is subjected to inhuman and degrading treatment on death row.
In support of his case, Rhahor filed two major exhibits:
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Exhibit A: A certified copy of the judgment from the Delta State High Court;
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Exhibit B: A sworn affidavit detailing the circumstances of his arrest, trial, and ongoing detention.
He claims that domestic legal remedies are exhausted or ineffective, justifying his appeal to the regional court.
Reliefs Sought:
Rhahor is asking the ECOWAS Court to:
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Declare his trial and conviction unlawful;
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Order the quashing of his death sentence;
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Mandate his unconditional release;
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Award $50 million in general, aggravated, and exemplary damages.
The Federal Government of Nigeria has been formally served through the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation. It now has 30 days to file a defence or face a default judgment.
Legal and Political Implications
Legal analysts suggest the case could set a powerful precedent for accountability within Nigeria’s criminal justice system. If successful, the ruling may expose systemic flaws in capital punishment cases, and reassert the ECOWAS Court’s role as a critical avenue for victims of judicial failings in West Africa.
Observers warn that a ruling in Rhahor’s favour could pressure Nigeria and other ECOWAS member states to revisit how fair trial standards are applied, particularly in death penalty cases.
As the countdown for Nigeria’s response begins, the case is shaping up to be one of West Africa’s most consequential human rights trials of the year.
