Nigeria has been dragged before the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Community Court of Justice over the alleged killing of women protesters by security forces in Adamawa State.
The suit was filed by Cadrell Advocacy Centre, a non-governmental organisation that provides legal assistance to victims of violence, on behalf of women reportedly killed during a peaceful protest and their surviving family members.
The case stems from a demonstration held on December 8, 2025, in Lamurde Local Government Area of Adamawa State. The protest was organised by women who gathered along a major roadway to express concern over the enforcement of a government-imposed curfew amid ongoing clashes between the Bachama and Chobo communities.
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According to court filings, the protest was peaceful until soldiers of the Nigerian Army arrived at the scene. The applicants allege that after protesters temporarily blocked the road, one soldier fired shots into the air, after which other soldiers opened live fire on the women.
The suit claims that at least nine women were killed instantly, while several others sustained gunshot injuries.
Amnesty International Nigeria has also confirmed and condemned the incident. In a statement cited in the filing, the human rights organisation said the killings were carried out by soldiers of the Nigerian Army, based on eyewitness accounts and testimonies from victims’ families.
The Nigerian Army has denied responsibility for the deaths, blaming a local militia for the violence.
However, the applicants argue that no soldier has been arrested, prosecuted, or disciplined in connection with the incident, and that no compensation has been paid to the families of the deceased.
Cadrell Advocacy Centre is asking the ECOWAS Court to declare that the killings constitute violations of multiple provisions of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, including Articles 1, 3, 4, 5, 9, and 26, and to hold Nigeria liable for the actions of its military.
The suit further seeks an order compelling Nigeria to conduct an independent, impartial, and transparent investigation into the killings and to prosecute those responsible. The applicants are also requesting compensation for injured victims and general damages totalling ₦10 billion ($X million) for the alleged unlawful deprivation of life.
The case was filed by legal counsel Evans Ufedi and Emmanuel Olalekan and is to be served on the Nigerian Army, the Attorney-General of the Federation, and the Federal Ministry of Defence.
