He further alleged that the trial court relied substantially on unchallenged prosecution evidence and failed to adequately consider and evaluate his defence before reaching its verdict.
The Community Court of Justice of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS Court) has ruled that it has jurisdiction to hear a human rights case brought against the Federal Republic of Nigeria by a Delta State death row inmate, Mr. Orikri Rhahor.
The Certified True Copy of the ruling, released officially by the Registry of the ECOWAS Court on June 17, 2026, reveals that the Court had earlier delivered its ruling virtually on May 18, 2026 in Suit No. ECW/CCJ/APP/34/25.
In the ruling, the regional court dismissed the Federal Republic of Nigeria's preliminary objection challenging the Court's jurisdiction and held that the application was admissible for determination on its merits.
Mr. Rhahor, a Nigerian citizen currently on death row at the Warri Medium Security Custodial Centre in Delta State, filed a suit through his counsel, Andrew Elekeokwuri Esq., before the ECOWAS Court, alleging violations of his fundamental human rights arising from criminal proceedings at the Delta State High Court.
