President Bola Tinubu has urged the Federal High Court in Abuja to dismiss a lawsuit seeking to compel the National Assembly to begin impeachment proceedings against him over alleged human rights violations.
The suit, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1334/2024, was filed by legal practitioner Olukoya Ogungbeje, who claims the Tinubu administration’s crackdown on peaceful protests amounts to misconduct warranting impeachment.
Citing alleged violent suppression of demonstrators across Nigeria between August 1 and 10, 2024, Ogungbeje argues that these actions violate constitutional rights and should trigger the impeachment process under Section 143 of the 1999 Constitution.
Tinubu, AGF Seek Case Dismissal
In a joint preliminary objection, President Tinubu and Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, challenged the lawsuit, questioning the plaintiff’s legal standing.
Represented by senior lawyer Sanusi Musa, SAN, they argued that:
The suit lacks merit and should be dismissed.
The plaintiff is not directly affected and therefore has no valid claim.
The court has no jurisdiction over the matter.
They further cited Section 46 of the 1999 Constitution, stating that only those personally affected can seek redress, not third parties acting on behalf of others.
Government Denies Protest Suppression
In a counter-affidavit filed by Gbemga Oladimeji, a senior counsel at the Federal Ministry of Justice, the government maintained that the administration upholds democratic values and has not suppressed peaceful protests.
Oladimeji asserted that:
The August 2024 protests were peaceful and conducted under a legal framework.
Security forces were deployed only to maintain order and ensure protesters’ safety.
The president has not violated his oath of office, making impeachment baseless.
Hearing Adjourned to March 4
Justice James Omotosho adjourned the case to March 4, giving the plaintiff’s lawyer, Stanley Okonmah, time to respond to the government’s objections.
As legal proceedings continue, the case highlights debates on executive accountability, citizens’ rights, and Nigeria’s impeachment process.
