Abuja Court Asked to Stop Tinubu, Akpabio, Others from Interfering with Umar’s Duties as CCT Chair

A Federal High Court in Abuja has been urged to issue an order restraining President Bola Tinubu, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and other key officials from using the Police and the Department of State Services (DSS) to obstruct the activities of the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT), particularly regarding its recently sacked chairman, Justice Danladi Yakubu Umar.

The application, brought forward by two organizations and an Abuja-based lawyer, seeks to prevent the Police and DSS from intimidating, investigating, or subjecting any officials of the CCT—including Justice Umar—to their operations related to the Tribunal. This request is to remain in effect until the court hears and determines a Motion on Notice.

The legal action (marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1796/2024) is a challenge against the legality of efforts to remove Justice Umar from his role as CCT chairman without following due process. The plaintiffs, comprising the Community Rescue Initiative, Toro Concerned Citizens & Relief Foundation, and Barrister Nasiru Bala, are seeking judicial intervention against 11 defendants, including the President of Nigeria, the Attorney-General, the Senate President, and other key government bodies.

In their ex-parte application, the plaintiffs request the court to issue an interim injunction barring the National Judicial Council (NJC) and the Federal Judicial Service Commission (FJSC) from appointing Dr. Mainasara Umar Kogo as Chairman of the CCT until the Motion on Notice is heard. They also seek to prevent Kogo from assuming the position of CCT Chairman or interfering with the Tribunal’s operations during this period.

The plaintiffs argue that the process used to remove Justice Umar was unlawful and in violation of the 1999 Constitution (as amended). They are specifically asking the court to restrain the Clerk of the National Assembly from forwarding the resolutions of both the Senate and the House of Representatives that led to Umar’s removal. They contend that the proper legal procedures were not followed in the removal process.

In addition, the plaintiffs are seeking seven declarative reliefs against the President and other defendants, asserting the illegality and unconstitutionality of the actions taken against Justice Umar.

The case, represented by legal professionals Mahmoud M. Maidoki Esq., A.G. Salisu Esq., Jibrin S. Jibrin Baq., and Abubakar S. Idris Bag, aims to preserve the integrity of the CCT and protect the constitutional rights of its Chairman during the ongoing legal dispute.