Abuja — Justice Inyang Edem Ekwo of the Federal High Court in Abuja has struck out a N1 billion fundamental rights enforcement suit filed against former President Muhammadu Buhari and former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Godwin Emefiele, over the controversial 2023 Naira redesign policy.
The suit, instituted by Abuja-based lawyer Uthman Isa Tochukwu, was dismissed on Monday for lack of diligent prosecution after repeated absences by the plaintiff and his counsel without explanation.
Justice Ekwo, in his ruling, said he was satisfied that the plaintiff had deliberately abandoned the case, noting that both the claimant and his lawyer had consistently failed to attend court proceedings since the matter was filed in 2023.
Tochukwu had, through his counsel Bala Dakum, dragged Buhari, the Attorney General of the Federation, the CBN, Emefiele, and two commercial banks before the court, claiming that the Naira redesign policy violated his rights to freedom of movement and dignity. He alleged that during the cash scarcity between January and March 2023, he was unable to access funds in his bank accounts, causing severe hardship.
The plaintiff sought N1 billion in damages and asked the court to issue a perpetual injunction preventing Buhari and others from further withholding the old N200, N500, and N1000 notes. He also demanded a public apology from the defendants to be published in two national dailies.
At Monday’s proceedings, counsel to the CBN and Emefiele, Mr. Chikelue Amasiani, highlighted the plaintiff’s persistent absence, urging the court to strike out the case. Justice Ekwo, concurring with the submission, struck out the suit, noting that the plaintiff could revive the action in the future if he demonstrated seriousness.
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