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ABUJA, NIgeria - Justice Inyang Edem Ekwo of the Federal High Court in Abuja has dismissed a N1 billion lawsuit brought against former President Muhammadu Buhari and former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Godwin Emefiele regarding the difficulties following the Naira redesign policy in 2023.
The judge dismissed the case filed by an Abuja-based lawyer, Uthman Isa Tochukwu, citing a lack of diligent prosecution.
In a ruling delivered on Monday, Justice Ekwo expressed his belief that the plaintiff had intentionally neglected his case due to his ongoing absence from court without legal representation or any justification.
The plaintiff, in the case marked FHC/ABJ/CS/418/2023, had taken the former President, Attorney General of the Federation, former CBN governor, CBN, and two commercial banks to court, claiming they had caused him significant hardship during the Naira redesign process. Filed through his counsel, Bala Dakum, the plaintiff alleged that his fundamental rights to freedom of movement and personal dignity were severely violated.
Specifically, the lawyer argued that the plaintiff's movement was restricted and that he could not access his funds in the two commercial banks during the turmoil caused by the Naira redesign in January and March 2023.
Consequently, he sought N1 billion in damages from the defendants for the violation of his fundamental rights.
He also requested a perpetual injunction against Buhari and others to prevent them from further withholding the old N200, N500, and N1000 notes, as well as a public apology published in two major newspapers.
However, during the proceedings on Monday, both the plaintiff and his counsel were absent from the court without providing any reason for their nonattendance.
Counsel for the 3rd and 4th defendants (Emefiele and CBN), Chikelue Amasiani, brought Justice Ekwo's attention to the ongoing absence of the plaintiff and his attorney in prior court sessions. Amasiani noted that since the suit's filing in 2023, neither the plaintiff nor his lawyer had demonstrated any seriousness or commitment to prosecuting the case.
He urged the judge to dismiss the lawsuit, suggesting that the plaintiff could return when ready to demonstrate earnestness.
In a succinct ruling, Justice Ekwo concurred with the attorney and struck out the lawsuit.
