The Federal High Court in Abuja, presided over by Justice Inyang Edem Ekwo, has dismissed a ?1 billion lawsuit filed against former President Muhammadu Buhari and former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor Godwin Emefiele, concerning the hardships caused by the 2023 Naira redesign policy. 1 The dismissal was attributed to the plaintiff’s consistent failure to diligently pursue the case. �
Justice Ekwo ruled that the plaintiff had displayed a clear lack of interest in advancing the matter, citing repeated absences from court without legal representation or any valid explanation. The plaintiff, identified in the case as FHC/ABJ/CS/418/2023, had accused several parties, including the former President, the Attorney General of the Federation, the former CBN governor, the CBN, and two commercial banks, of inflicting significant hardships during the Naira redesign process.
Represented by his attorney, Bala Dakum, the plaintiff had claimed that his fundamental rights to freedom of movement and personal dignity were violated. He specifically alleged that his movement was restricted and he was unable to access his funds in two commercial banks during the Naira redesign challenges in January and March 2023.
Consequently, he sought ?1 billion in damages for the alleged infringement of his fundamental rights, a perpetual injunction against Buhari and others from further withholding the old ?200, ?500, and ?1000 banknotes, and a public apology to be published in two national newspapers.
However, during Monday’s proceedings, neither the plaintiff nor his legal counsel was present, and no reasons were provided for their absence. Chikelue Amasiani, counsel for the third and fourth defendants, informed Justice Ekwo of the plaintiff�s and his lawyer’s consistent absence in previous court sessions. Amasiani argued that since the case’s inception in 2023, the plaintiff and his attorney had shown no commitment to advancing the matter. He urged the judge to dismiss the suit, allowing the plaintiff the option to refile when prepared to demonstrate genuine intent.
Justice Ekwo concurred with Amasiani’s request and dismissed the lawsuit. This ruling effectively closes the case due to the plaintiff’s lack of diligence, leaving the door open for potential refiling should the plaintiff choose to pursue the matter further.
