In a recent development, the Federal High Court in Abuja dismissed a suit urging the court to compel the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) to investigate and prosecute Mr. Peter Obi over alleged breaches in asset declaration. Justice Inyang Ekwo, in a brief ruling, struck out the suit citing a lack of diligent prosecution.
The suit, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/44/23, was filed by Mr. Olukoya Ogungbeje, who identified himself as a human rights activist and lawyer. In his motion on notice dated July 3 and filed on November 6, Ogungbeje sought an order of mandamus, compelling the CCB to promptly fulfill its constitutional and statutory obligations by inviting, investigating, and prosecuting Obi before the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT) based on allegations of asset declaration breaches.
Ogungbeje alleged that Obi, the Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the February 25 presidential election, failed to declare offshore holdings and associated assets. Furthermore, he claimed that Obi operated a foreign account while holding public office and served as a director of Next International (UK) Limited for 14 months after becoming the governor of Anambra, contravening relevant laws.
The applicant also sought a declaration that the CCB’s failure or refusal to act on his application constituted a dereliction of public duty, abdication of statutory responsibility, and a violation of constitutional obligations.
Justice Ekwo had previously granted Ogungbeje’s motion ex-parte on November 1, allowing him to apply for an order of mandamus compelling the CCB to take action. However, when the matter was called recently, neither the applicant nor his lawyer was present, leading Justice Ekwo to strike out the suit. (NAN)