The Network Against Corruption and Trafficking Foundation (NACAT) has initiated legal proceedings against senior officials of the Central Bank of Nigeria. According to NACAT, the Acting Governor, Folashodun Shonubi, and Deputy Governor, Edward Adamu, are accused of not adequately disclosing their assets.
The lawsuit was lodged at a Federal High Court in Abuja and also involves the Chairman of the Code of Conduct Bureau. The legal representation for NACAT comes from the Festus Keyamo Chambers.
The basis of the lawsuit is Section 1(1) and (2) of the Freedom of Information (FOI) Act, 2011. In the filed suit with reference FHC/ABJ/CS/1182/2023, dated August 25, 2023, NACAT alleges that Shonubi failed to declare his interests in various companies including Intameks Ltd (RC13086), Kirby’s Place Resources Ltd (RC1215845), The Pekaboo Company Ltd (RC1395011), Ehlkuhile Investment Ltd (RC857442), Iscopeng Ltd (RC1431044), and Kilima Technologies Ltd (RC1218250). Similarly, Adamu is accused of not disclosing his involvement in Pinnacle Solutions Network Ltd (RC698688), Elad Global Resources Limited (RC933366), and Global World Frontier Services Nig. Ltd (RC772500).
Stanley Ugagbe, the operational Manager of NACAT, provided an affidavit supporting the legal motion, stating that the respondents had refused to provide the requested documents. Ugagbe mentioned that Shonubi was listed as a Director in companies such as Intameks Ltd, Kirby’s Place Resources Ltd, The Pekaboo Company Ltd, Ehlkuhile Investment Ltd, Iscopeng Ltd, and Kilima Technologies Ltd.
Additionally, the affidavit claimed that Adamu was listed as a Director in Pinnacle Solutions Network Ltd, Elad Global Resources Limited, and Global World Frontier Services Nig. Ltd.
Ugagbe emphasized that as public officers, both Shonubi and Adamu were obligated to declare their interests in these companies on their Asset Declaration Forms when assuming their roles as Acting Governor and Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria.
The lawsuit contends that NACAT has the right, under the Freedom of Information Act, to access these declaration forms and alleges that despite their requests, the respondents failed to provide the documents, prompting the need for court intervention.
The lawsuit argues that NACAT had previously submitted letters on July 3, 2023, and August 14, 2023, requesting the respondents to produce the required documents, but these requests were declined. The counsel representing NACAT stated that the respondents' refusal to provide the documents contravened the Freedom of Information Act.
NACAT describes itself as a non-governmental organization and a pro-democracy civil society organization dedicated to combatting corruption, financial crimes, terrorism, and economic sabotage.
At present, a hearing date for the lawsuit has not yet been scheduled.
