A Federal High Court in Abuja has struck out a N1 billion suit filed against former President Muhammadu Buhari and former Central Bank Governor Godwin Emefiele over the controversial 2023 naira redesign policy.
Justice Inyang Ekwo dismissed the suit on Monday, citing the plaintiff’s lack of diligent prosecution. The case, filed by Abuja-based lawyer Uthman Isa Tochukwu, was thrown out after multiple court sessions in which neither the plaintiff nor his counsel appeared, nor provided any explanation for their absence.
Tochukwu had sued Buhari, Emefiele, the Attorney General of the Federation, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), and two commercial banks, alleging that the cash crunch resulting from the currency redesign violated his fundamental rights. According to court filings, he claimed the policy restricted his freedom of movement and access to funds, demanding N1 billion in damages and a public apology.
The plaintiff also sought a perpetual injunction restraining the defendants from withholding the old N200, N500, and N1000 notes.
At the resumed hearing, counsel to the CBN and Emefiele, Mr Chikelue Amasiani, urged the court to strike out the suit, citing repeated no-shows by the plaintiff and his lawyer. He argued that since the case was filed in 2023, the plaintiff had shown no commitment to pursuing it.
Justice Ekwo agreed with the submission and ruled that the suit be struck out, leaving the door open for it to be revived should the plaintiff decide to pursue it seriously.
