News
Court dumps suit seeking refund of Rivers monies spent by Ibas
The Federal High Court in Abuja on Thursday dismissed a suit seeking a refund of all Rivers’ monies in the Consolidated Revenue Fund released, appropriated and expended by the Sole Administrator, retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas.
Justice James Omotosho, in a ruling, held that the Federal High Court (FHC) has no jurisdiction to determine the subject matter, having stemmed from the presidential proclamation of the state of emergency.
The judge upheld the objection raised by lawyers to the defendants, including Kehinde Ogunwumiju, SAN, who represented Ibas in the case.
Justice Omotosho held that it is only the Supreme Court that had the exclusive and original jurisdiction to determine the validity of the declaration of an emergency rule by the president.
“I must not fail to say here that counsel to the claimant ought to make proper research regarding his case before filing same.
“He must make diligent research as to which court has jurisdiction and the necessary parties in the suit before filing his action.
“Counsel has the duty to be professional in making such research rather than spending time spreading misinformation or painting the wrong picture on social media and other broadcast media.
“This court is saddled with a lot of cases, including commercial, civil and criminal matters which makes its time very precious.
“Filing suits which are void abinitio is inimical to the course of justice and the court can suo motu nullify such void suit in order to save its time.
“I therefore hold that a void process cannot activate the jurisdiction of this court.
“In final analysis, the subject matter of this suit is outside the jurisdiction of this court and this court will decline jurisdiction over same,” he said
The judge also declined to transfer the case to Port Harcourt judicial division as part of the reliefs sought by the plaintiff.
He held that the application for transfer of the suit back to Rivers was ungrantable.
He said that a look at the provision of the law revealed that the court can only transfer a matter to another judicial division, either a high court of a state or the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.
“This court having held that only the Supreme Court can hear and determine matters relating to Proclamation of State of Emergency, it would be totally worthless to then transfer the matter to another judicial division which equally lacks subject matter jurisdiction.
“Since this court has no power to transfer this matter to the Supreme Court, the proper course of action is to refrain from making any other transfer and to strike out the entire processes for lack of jurisdiction.
“Consequently, issue two is resolved against the claimant,” he said.
The judge equally resolved issue three which challenged the discretionary power of chief judge of FHC to have transferred the matter to Abuja for adjudication.
“Consequently, this court hereby declines jurisdiction over this suit and the originating process filed is hereby declared void as same ought not to have been filed before this court,” he ruled.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Incorporated Trustees of Rivsbridge Peace Initiative had, in the suit marked: FHC/PH/CS/43/2025, sued President Bola Tinubu as 1st defendant.
The group also named the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the Attorney-General of the Federation, the Accountant-General of the Federation (AG-F), the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and Ibas as 2nd to 6th defendants.
The group had queried Ibas’ appointment.
It also sought an order of mandatory injunction, directing the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th and 6th defendants to, forthwith, return, refund and or pay back any monies in the Consolidated Revenue Fund belonging to Rivers State released, appropriated and or expended after March 18 when the president declared the state of emergency, among others.
It argued that the action was without compliance with the express provision of Section 120,121,287(1) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and subsisting Order(s) of the Supreme Court in Rivers State House of Assembly vs Govt of Rivers State (2025).
Justice Omotosho, in another ruling on the second suit, marked: FHC/PH/CS/46/2025, which challenged the power of Ibas to appoint sole administrators for the state’s 23 local government areas of Rivers, was also dismissed.
NAN reports that the suit, filed by the plaintiffs, had Ibas as sole defendant.
Delivering the ruling, the judge upheld the preliminary objection of lawyer to Ibas, Ogunwumiju, that the plaintiffs lacked the locus standi (legal right) to file the suit.
He said that the plaintiffs were neither one of the suspended LGA chairmen nor could they have filed the suit against the Federal Government or Ibas on a dispute that purportedly affects the general public in Rivers.
“The applicants are mere individuals who happen to be residents of Rivers State.
“Unless and until the consent of the Sole Administrator is obtained and filed with the originating process, this suit is totally void and has no legs upon which to stand.
“The lack of locus standi on the part of the applicants will lead to a dismissal of this action and referral to a higher court for determination of the suit does not arise as this court has no such power,” he said.
He restated that the court lacked the jurisdiction to entertain the case.
“In final analysis, the suit of the applicants is bound to fail as this court cannot assume jurisdiction over this matter in view of lack of subject matter jurisdiction and lack of locus standi on the part of the applicants.
“Consequently, this action is hereby dismissed for being void,” Justice Omotosho declared.
NAN had earlier reported that the judge dismissed a suit seeking an order declaring President Tinubu’s suspension of Gov. Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers as illegal.
The suit, marked: FHC/PH/CS/51/2025, was filed by Belema Briggs, Princess Wai-Ogosu, I. Acho, Emmanuel Mark and Hadassa Ada, who claimed to have sued for themselves and residents of Rivers State.
They had listed the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the Attorney General of the Federation, Ibas and the Nigerian Navy as defendants.
The plaintiffs had queried the emergency declaration, the suspension of elected officials, including Gov. Fubara, the appointment of a sole administrator and, among others, prayed the court to void the president’s action.
By Gloria Ikibah
The House of Representatives has given the green light to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s request to secure more than $516 million in external financing, paving the way for a major infrastructure push under the current administration.
The approval was granted during Tuesday’s plenary in Abuja following the consideration of a report presented by Abdullahi Rasheed, deputy chairman of the House Committee on Aids, Loans and Debt Management.
The funding, arranged through a syndicated facility led by Deutsche Bank AG, is earmarked for the development of key sections of the ambitious Sokoto–Badagry Super Highway project.
The proposed financing will specifically support sections 1, 1A and 1B of the road, covering roughly 120 kilometres in the first phase of construction. The request was submitted to the National Assembly in line with statutory provisions governing public borrowing.
The highway scheme, a centrepiece of the administration’s economic agenda, is designed to improve connectivity across several states and streamline the movement of goods along critical trade routes. Stretching an estimated 1,000 kilometres, the corridor is expected to link Sokoto, Kebbi, Niger, Kwara, Oyo, Ogun and Lagos, connecting Illela in the north to Badagry on the Atlantic coast.
As part of the financing structure, the loan is backed by a partial risk guarantee from the Islamic Corporation for the Insurance of Investment and Export Credit, providing an additional layer of assurance for lenders.
The Federal Government is also expected to commit substantial counterpart funding exceeding ₦265 billion to cover land acquisition, compensation and associated infrastructure costs.
The borrowing arrangement is structured over a nine-year period, including a three-year grace window, with interest tied to the Chicago Mercantile Exchange SOFR benchmark plus a margin of 5.3 per cent annually.
The Federal Executive Council had earlier endorsed the financing plan, clearing the path for legislative approval and the next phase of implementation.
By Gloria Ikibah
Nigeria has condemned the killing of Mali’s Defence Minister, Lieutenant General Sadio Camara, describing the attack as a tragic blow to regional stability and a stark reminder of the growing threat of terrorism across West Africa.
In a statement issued from Abuja, by Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa, the expressed outrage over the minister’s death following terrorist attacks on 25 April 2025, while extending condolences to the government and people of Mali.
“The Federal Government of Nigeria condemns in strong terms the tragic killing of the Minister of Defence and Veteran Affairs of the Republic of Mali, Lieutenant General Sadio Camara, following the terrorist attacks of 25 April 2025,” the statement read in part.
Nigeria described the loss as particularly painful given the timing, noting that Mali is navigating a delicate period in its national history.
“Nigeria expresses its deepest sympathies to the bereaved family, the Malian Armed Forces, and the Government and people of Mali for this grievous loss at a critical moment in the nation’s history.
“In times such as these, when the fragility of human life is laid bare by violence, the bonds that unite nations are felt most deeply,” the statement continued.
Reaffirming its solidarity, the Nigerian government emphasised shared regional ties and resilience in the face of adversity.
The government also used the moment to condemn a broader wave of violence, pointing to recent attacks across Mali that have resulted in significant casualties and destruction.
“Nigeria stands in solidarity with Mali and reaffirms the enduring ties of brotherhood, shared destiny, and collective resilience that define the African spirit.
“The Federal Government of Nigeria condemns the cowardly acts perpetrated by terrorist groups in different parts of the country in recent days which have resulted in the loss of lives and properties.
“Such acts not only threaten national stability but also undermine the shared values of peace, dignity, and coexistence upon which our societies are built,” the statement said.
Calling for a united response, Nigeria stressed the need for sustained cooperation among nations to tackle extremism.
Nigeria further reiterated its backing for Mali’s efforts to restore stability and defend its sovereignty, pledging continued collaboration within regional and international frameworks.
“Terrorism, in all its forms and manifestations, remains a common adversary that demands unified resolve, sustained cooperation and reaffirmation of our shared humanity to tackle.
“Nigeria reiterates its support to the Republic of Mali in its efforts to safeguard its sovereignty, preserve its territorial integrity, and restore lasting peace and security,” it said.
“Nigeria remains committed to working with Mali and other partners within regional and international frameworks to confront the scourge of terrorism and to promote stability across the Sahel and the wider West African sub-region”, the statement added.
As the region grapples with persistent insecurity, Nigeria urged stronger global solidarity, stressing that peace in one nation is closely tied to peace in another.
“At this moment of mourning, Nigeria renews its call for strengthened solidarity among nations, guided by the principles of mutual respect, collective security, and the recognition that the peace of one is inseparable from the peace of all”, the statement further read.
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) led by David Mark has written to the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Olukayode Ariwoola, seeking an urgent hearing and judgement from the Supreme Court over the lingering leadership crisis in the party.
In a letter dated April 28, the group urged the CJN to intervene by constituting a panel of the Supreme Court of Nigeria to hear and determine the dispute without further delay.
The group expressed concern that the prolonged legal battle over the party’s leadership has continued to create uncertainty within its ranks, affecting its activities and preparations ahead of future political engagements.
The letter said the matter requires urgent judicial attention in the interest of justice and internal party stability.
“The continued delay in resolving this dispute is detrimental to the party and its members nationwide,” the faction stated.
They further appealed to the CJN to use his constitutional powers to ensure that the case is expedited at the apex court.
The leadership tussle within the ADC has been the subject of multiple legal proceedings, with opposing factions laying claim to the party’s structure and control.
Reps Clear $516m Foreign Loan for Flagship Highway Project
Nigeria Denounces ‘Cowardly’ Killing of Mali Defence Chief, Urges United Front Against Terror
Mark’s ADC writes CJN, wants urgent Supreme Court judgement
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