Metro
Court Throws Out Keyamo’s Suit Against Atiku, Slams N10m Cost on Former Minister
A Federal High Court in Abuja, on Monday dismissed the suit instituted by Mr. Festus Keyamo, SAN (erstwhile Minister of State, Labour and Productivity), against former Vice-President and the PDP candidate in the last presidential election, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar.
In a ruling delivered on the preliminary Objections filed by Atiku’s Counsel, Prof. Mike Ozekhome and Miss Oluwakemi Odogun of the ICPC, the Honorable Justice James Omotosho in Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/84/2023 also awarded the sum of N10 million cost against Keyamo, to be paid by him in the sum of N5 million to Atiku and N5 Million to the ICPC, respectively. The court also added a 10% interest rate per annum until full liquidation of same.
Festus Keyamo had in the suit through his Counsel, Mr. Festus Ukpe, Esq, sought an order of the court to compel the Code Of Conduct Bureau (CCB), EFCC and ICPC to Invite and/or arrest, investigate and prosecute Atiku Abubakar; with a supporting affidavit deposed to by one Michael Achimugu, who alleged that Atiku used a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) to corruptly enrich himself while he was Vice- President of Nigeria. He had therefore sought orders of the court to direct and/or compel the Anti-Graft Agencies to arrest, Investigate and prosecute Atiku.
In response to the originating process, Atiku had through his counsel Ozekhome, raised a preliminary objection to the suit, to the effect that Keyamo lacked the locus standi to institute the said suit, having failed to disclose what he suffered over and beyond other members of the public. Ozekhomne, further contended in his written response for Atiku that Keyamo did not disclose any wrong done to him by Atiku, or what damage he had suffered; describing him as a busybody and meddlesome interloper, as the entire suit disclosed no reasonable cause of action whatsoever. While arguing the matter, Barr Benson Igbanoi, Esq, holding the brief of Ozekhome also argued that the suit constituted a gross abuse of office, the plaintiff being a public officer, occupying a public office and using public funds to file and prosecute same. He further contended that the suit was indeed instituted in bad faith; frivolous; vexatious and therefore a waste of precious judicial time. Justice James Omotosho, in a well-considered ruling, agreed wholly with Ozekhome that Keyamo lacked locus standi to institute the suit, having failed to establish any special interest over and beyond other members of the public, or show any damage suffered by him.
The court went further to hold that Keyamo’s letter to the CCB, ICPC, and EFCC (2nd, 3rd and 4th defendants, respectively in the suit) in which he gave them an ultimatum of 72 hours to arrest, investigate and prosecute Atiku, was done in bad faith, as the agencies were not in any way his errand boys. The court posed the question, if 72 hours were ever sufficient to investigate and commence the prosecution of allegations of such magnitude, to which Justice Omotosho in his answer, said was a CAPITAL NO!
The court, therefore, concluded that the action of the plaintiff in rushing to file the suit was a move done in bad faith, more so coming from a lawyer of his standing. The court also frowned at the unconscionable manner the plaintiff behaved as public institutions must be regarded and protected. The Judge commended the EFCC and ICPC for showing restraint and not allowing themselves to take orders from Keyamo (the plaintiff) as if they were his servants.
Consequently, the court dismissed the suit in its entirety for being frivolous, Vexatious and an abuse of court process, with a cost of N5 million each against Keyamo respectively in favour of Atiku and the ICPC respectively; with a 10% interest per annum, until full liquidation of same.
By Eric Elezuo
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police have debunked reported assassination attempt on the life of Naval Lt MA Yerima, the soldier, who stood to the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, over a disputed land.
In a statement by the FCT Command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Josephine Adeh, the command insisted that no such incident happened or was reported anywhere around Abuja, asking residents to ignore the reports as fake.
The statement further advised the public to ‘disregard the false information, and desist from spreading unverified claims capable of causing unnecessary panic’.
Recall that it was reported on Sunday night that Lt. Yerima escaped assassination after black hilux trucks trailed him. This reported escaped is coming on the heels of a heated altercation the Naval officer had with Wike over a parcel of land said to belong to a former Chief of Naval Staff.
The Presidency has since welded into the matter, ordering a stay on the demolition plans.
The statement in full:
The attention of the FCT Police Command has been drawn to publications circulating on social media alleging an attempted assassination on Lt. Ahmed Yerima. The Command wishes to categorically state that no such incident has been reported or recorded anywhere within the Federal Capital Territory. The public is advised to disregard this false information and desist from spreading unverified claims capable of causing unnecessary panic.
For the safety of all residents, the Command urges the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the nearest Police Division. You may also reach the Command Headquarters through our emergency lines: 08032003913 and 08068587311 for prompt response.
Nigerians were last night divided over the report that Navy Lieutenant Ahmad M. Yerima narrowly escaped an assassination attempt in Abuja, with many now questioning whether the incident happened exactly as described.
Initial reports from multiple news platforms claimed Yerima was trailed by two unmarked Hilux vans without number plates, prompting a high-speed chase and a “tactical manoeuvre” that allegedly saved his life.
The report quoted military sources who said the vehicles allegedly followed him from the NIPCO Filling Station off the Line Expressway to Gado Nasco Way at about 6:30p.m.
The source added that the matter is under investigation and is receiving “the seriousness it deserves,” noting that further details are being withheld so as not to compromise the process.
The development comes days after Yerima, while on duty with other security personnel, engaged in a tense confrontation with FCT Minister Nyesom Wike over a disputed land site in Gaduwa District. The clash, captured on viral videos, sparked widespread public debate and prompted intervention from the Presidency, which subsequently halted the demolition exercise at the site.
But as the story spreads, so do doubts. Critics argue that the details remain vague and rely heavily on Yerima’s personal account, with no confirmed CCTV footage, eyewitness statements, or official security briefings to back the claims. Some security analysts say the descriptions sound “too cinematic,” raising the possibility of misinterpretation or exaggeration.
Adding to the skepticism is the timing of the report, coming just days after Yerima’s viral confrontation with Wike over a halted demolition exercise. While social media users have tried to link both events, officials insist there is no evidence connecting Wike or any political figure to the alleged chase.
Already, military veterans nationwide have criticised Wike for verbally insulting the officer and rejected calls for disciplinary action against Yerima. Spokesman for the Coalition of Retired Veterans, Abiodun Durowaiye-Herberts, warned that ex-service members would “occupy the office and residence of the FCT Minister” if the officer faced any punishment.
Many others want clarity: Was the officer truly targeted, or is this a case of panic amplified by public emotion and online speculation? Investigators are yet to provide answers.
Adron Homes set the stage for a remarkable sporting experience by hosting the Adron Cup Golf Tournament, bringing together golf enthusiasts, industry professionals, and distinguished guests for a day dedicated to excellence, competition, and camaraderie.
The tournament was officially declared open by the Chairman of Adron Group, Aare Adetola Emmanuelking, who earlier this year received the first-ever Nigeria’s Noble Golfer Award, reflecting his growing influence and passion for the game of golf. In a moment that drew applause across the course, he performed the ceremonial tee-off, symbolically setting the tournament in motion.
Following the opening, the Chairman embarked on a tour of the golf course, delighting participants and spectators alike. He played several holes, showing his enthusiasm for the game, while also taking time to engage, encourage, and cheer on the competing golfers.
Players described the experience as inspiring, noting that the Chairman’s presence elevated the spirit of the competition and reinforced the values of sportsmanship and unity that the tournament represents.
As the tournament concluded, Mr. Sunday Aderibigbe, representing the Chairman of Adron Homes, officiated the presentation of awards and the official unveiling ceremony. His presence added prestige to the event and affirmed the company’s continued commitment to celebrating excellence within the golfing community.
The inaugural Adron Cup Golf Tournament marks the beginning of what promises to be a premier sporting event in the region, reflecting Adron Group’s commitment not only to excellence in real estate but also to promoting recreation, community engagement, and healthy living through sport.
The event concluded with commendations for the organizers and enthusiastic feedback from participants, leaving a lasting impression on all who attended.
