The Supreme Court in Abuja on Monday imposed a fine of N5 million on Ambrose Albert Owuru, a former presidential candidate, for filing frivolous and vexatious lawsuits against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Owuru, who contested the 2019 presidential election under the Hope Democratic Party (HDP), was directed to pay the fine to Tinubu.
Justice Uwani Musa Aba-Aji delivered the ruling while dismissing Owuru’s fresh suit seeking Tinubu’s removal as Nigeria’s President. In addition to the fine, the court barred its Registry from accepting any further frivolous originating summons from Owuru.
During the hearing, Owuru, a lawyer called to the Nigerian Bar in 1984, attempted to argue his case in court while dressed in legal attire. The court, however, ordered him to remove his wig and gown before proceeding. Justice Aba-Aji criticized Owuru’s conduct, stating it was unbecoming of a lawyer with over 40 years of experience. Despite Owuru’s attempts to justify his suit, the court found his arguments unconvincing.
This is not the first time Owuru has faced penalties for his actions. Previously, the Court of Appeal fined him N40 million, to be paid to Tinubu, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and others, for filing similar suits.
In his latest case, marked SC/CV/667/2023, Owuru asked the Supreme Court to disqualify Tinubu on grounds of alleged non-qualification to hold office and purported usurpation of power. The suit named former President Muhammadu Buhari, the Attorney General of the Federation, INEC, and Tinubu as defendants.
Owuru claimed he had won the 2019 presidential election and alleged his tenure was unlawfully usurped by Buhari for eight years. He also accused Tinubu of being disqualified due to a $460,000 forfeiture in the United States over an alleged drug-related offense and alleged ties to the CIA.
Among other requests, Owuru urged the Supreme Court to invoke Section 157 of the 1999 Constitution to remove Tinubu from office, declare himself the rightful President, and order his immediate inauguration.
The court dismissed the case, reinforcing its stance against frivolous litigation and upholding the N5 million fine against Owuru.
