The Federal High Court in Abuja on Monday struck out a N1 billion suit filed against former President Muhammadu Buhari and former CBN Governor Godwin Emefiele over the hardships caused by the 2023 naira redesign policy.
Justice Inyang Ekwo dismissed the case due to lack of diligent prosecution.
The suit, filed by Uthman Tochukwu, a legal practitioner, claimed that the policy led to severe difficulties for Nigerians, violating his fundamental rights to freedom of movement and personal dignity. Tochukwu sought damages and a court order to stop the defendants from withholding the old N200, N500, and N1,000 notes. He also demanded a public apology in two national newspapers.
However, Justice Ekwo noted the plaintiff’s repeated absence from court without explanation or legal representation, leading to accusations of deliberate abandonment of the case. The plaintiff’s counsel, Bala Dakum, and Tochukwu himself failed to attend the hearing.
Counsel for Emefiele and the CBN, Chikelue Amasiani, highlighted the plaintiff’s lack of commitment to the case, urging the court to strike it out but allow the possibility of revival in the future if pursued properly.
In a brief ruling, Justice Ekwo agreed with the defense and struck out the suit.
