Court deliverers judgment in N1bn lawsuit against Buhari, Emefiele over 2023 Naira redesign policy
Court deliverers judgment N1bn lawsuit against Buhari, Emefiele over 2023 Naira redesign policy
The Federal High Court in Abuja has dismissed a ₦1 billion lawsuit filed against former President Muhammadu Buhari and former Central Bank Governor Godwin Emefiele over the 2023 naira redesign policy.
The case was initiated by a lawyer, Mr. Uthman Isa Tochukwu, who claimed the policy caused him significant hardship. He argued that his fundamental rights including freedom of movement and personal dignity were violated, noting that during the implementation of the policy, he was unable to access funds in his bank accounts between January and March 2023.
In his suit, Tochukwu sought ₦1 billion in damages and requested a perpetual injunction preventing the government from withdrawing the old ₦200, ₦500, and ₦1000 notes.
He also asked the court to order Buhari and Emefiele to issue a public apology, to be published in two major national newspapers.
However, during Monday’s proceedings, Justice Inyang Ekwo struck out the case, citing lack of diligent prosecution. The court found that the plaintiff had repeatedly failed to appear in court or provide any explanation for his absence, effectively abandoning the case.
Counsel for Emefiele and the Central Bank, Mr. Chikelue Amasiani, informed the court of the plaintiff’s continued absence and noted that since the suit was filed in 2023, neither Tochukwu nor his legal team had demonstrated any commitment to pursuing the matter. Justice Ekwo, agreeing with the defense, dismissed the suit accordingly.
