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Unlawful ban on old naira notes: SERAP drags Buhari to court

Published

3 years ago

February 19, 2023

Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) on Sunday said it has filed a lawsuit against President Muhammadu Buhari over what the group called unlawful directive banning the use of old N500 and N1,000 banknotes.
SERAP said the action of the president was contrary to the interim injunction granted by the Supreme Court that the old N200, N500, and N1000 notes remain legal tender.

Joined in the suit as Defendants are the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, SAN, and the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

The Supreme Court in a case initially brought by 10 states recently held that the old banknotes remain legal tender pending the determination of a motion on notice fixed for February 22. The deadline for the swap of the old notes expired February 10.

However, Buhari in a national broadcast last week directed the CBN to recirculate only the old N200 banknotes, thereby overruling the Supreme Court and banning the use of old N500 and N1,000 notes in the country.

In the suit number FHC/ABJ/CS/233/2023 filed last Friday at the Federal High Court, Abuja SERAP is asking the court to determine “whether President Buhari’s directive banning the N500 and N1,000 banknotes is not inconsistent and incompatible with the constitutional duties to obey decisions of the Supreme Court and oath of office.”

SERAP is asking the court for “a declaration that President Buhari’s directive banning the use of old N500 and N1,000 banknotes is a fundamental breach of section 287(1) of the Nigerian Constitution 1999 [as amended] and his constitutional oath of office, and therefore unconstitutional, unlawful, null and void.”

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SERAP is seeking “an order of interim injunction restraining President Buhari, the CBN and Mr Malami, their agents or privies from further enforcing the presidential directive banning the old N500 and N1,000 banknotes, pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice filed contemporaneously in this suit.”

In the suit, SERAP is arguing that: “Upholding the rule of law is the cornerstone of Nigeria’s constitutional democracy. President Buhari and other public officials and authorities have a binding legal responsibility to strictly comply with the rule of law and obey the decisions by the Supreme Court, and all other courts.”

SERAP is also arguing that, “The directive to ban the use of N500 and N1000 banknotes, contrary to the interim injunction by the Supreme Court, is ultra vires – beyond the constitutional and legitimate powers of President Buhari and the government.”

The suit filed on behalf of SERAP by its lawyers Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa, SAN, and Kolawole Oluwadare, read in part: “It is a very serious matter for anyone to flout a positive order of a court.”

“President Buhari’s directive undermines the authority and independence of the judiciary, which is an underlying constitutional principle intended to ensure that government is conducted according to law, and to prevent the arbitrary exercise of powers or discretion by public officials and authorities.”

“An order of Court must be obeyed even if such an order is perverse, until such a time that the order is set aside by a competent court. A flagrant flouting of an order of the court by the executive is an invitation to anarchy.”

“The rule of law makes all government officials, including the President and other officials, answerable for their acts in the ordinary courts. The law must apply to everybody; nobody is above the law.”

“Section 281(1) of the Nigerian Constitution provides that, ‘the decisions of the Supreme Court shall be enforced in any part of the Federation by all authorities and persons, and by courts with subordinate jurisdiction to that of the Supreme Court.”

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“Under 318 (1) of the Nigerian Constitution, ‘decision’ means in relation to a court, any determination of that court and includes judgement decree, order, conviction, sentence or recommendation.”

“It is the duty of the government to allow the law to take its course or allow the legal and judicial process to run its full course.”

“The directive by President Buhari to ban the use of the old N500 and N1000 banknotes can have no other interpretation than the show of intention to pre-empt the final decision of the Supreme Court in this case.”

“The courts expect the utmost respect of the law from the government itself which rules by the law.”

“The rule of law is essential in a constitutional democracy such as we have in this country for the protection of the rights of citizens and for checking arbitrary use of power by the executive or its agencies.”

“It is a necessary implication of the rule of law that, except where the law gives a discretion to a public functionary, he can only act in accordance with the law, as to do otherwise may enthrone arbitrariness.”

“The Defendants are public officers who have sworn the constitutional oath office to perform their respective duties in the interest of the Nigerian citizens.”

“This suit is not challenging the statutory power of the Central Bank of Nigeria, acting on the directive of the President, to change the currency and denomination banknotes in Nigeria.”

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“Unless the reliefs sought are granted, the Defendants will continue to violate constitutional provisions and disobey the order of the Supreme Court as implied by the directive of the President in his address to the nation on 16 February, 2023.”

SERAP is also asking the court for the following reliefs:

A DECLARATION that by virtue of section 287(1) of the Nigerian Constitution 1999, President Buhari, the CBN and Mr Malami have a constitutional duty to obey and enforce any decisions and orders of the Supreme Court, particularly the order allowing the use of old N200, N500 and N1,000 banknotes;
AN ORDER restraining and stopping the CBN from carrying out and giving effect to the directive of the President directing and approving that the old N500 and N1,000 banknotes are no longer legal tender and the old N200 banknote will cease to be legal tender on 10 April 2023, in compliance with the order of the Supreme Court of Nigeria made on 8 February, 2023 in Suit Number SC/CV/162/2023– Attorney General of Kaduna State & 2 Ors v. Attorney General of the Federation;
AN ORDER mandating the CBN to direct all commercial banks in Nigeria to accept and give out the old N200, N500, and N1,000 banknotes as legal tender concurrently along with the new banknotes of the same denomination in line with the order of the Supreme Court of Nigeria made on 8 February, 2023 in Suit Number SC/CV/162/2023 – Attorney General of Kaduna State & 2 Ors v. Attorney General of the Federation;
ANY ORDER(S) that the Honourable Court may deem fit to make in the circumstance of this suit.

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Foreign Intelligence Operations Behind Recent Nigeria Killings – Gumi

Published

11 hours ago

April 1, 2026

Trends Admin

Prominent Islamic cleric Sheikh Ahmad Abubakar Gumi

Foreign Intelligence Operations Behind Recent Nigeria Killings – Gumi

Prominent Islamic cleric Sheikh Ahmad Abubakar Gumi has raised alarms over the pattern of recent killings in Nigeria, suggesting that the violence may be linked to clandestine foreign intelligence operations, rather than purely domestic issues.

Gumi made the allegation in a Facebook post on Tuesday, just two days after the Palm Sunday attack on Gari Ya Waye community in Angwan Rukuba, Jos North, Plateau State, which left more than 20 residents dead and several others injured. He condemned the shedding of innocent blood, stressing that the attacks “have nothing to do with religion”.

“The pattern suggests a clandestine foreign intelligence operation. Many unscrupulous Nigerians are willing to serve as foot soldiers for these mercenaries,” Gumi wrote. He cited previous violent incidents, including the March 16, 2026, coordinated bomb blasts in Maiduguri, which killed at least 23 people and injured over 100, and the Palm Sunday killings in Jos, highlighting the complexity and coordination of these attacks.

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Gumi warned against reliance on foreign involvement in Nigeria’s security architecture, urging the government to seek support only from benign superpowers for satellite intelligence and military equipment while strengthening domestic security capabilities. He emphasized the need for Nigeria to develop self-sufficient strategies that respect the country’s sovereignty and human lives.

The cleric prayed for the quick recovery of the injured and comfort for families who lost loved ones. He also warned that external interference in Nigeria’s security affairs could exacerbate tensions, especially in conflict-prone regions such as the Middle Belt and North East.

While Gumi’s claims have sparked discussion, security agencies have not verified any foreign intelligence involvement, and some officials continue to attribute the attacks to domestic armed groups and criminal networks. Nevertheless, his statement has reignited debate over the role of external actors in Nigeria’s security challenges and the need for innovative, homegrown solutions.

Foreign Intelligence Operations Behind Recent Nigeria Killings – Gumi

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EFCC Pushes for Sule Lamido Retrial Before Former Judge

Published

11 hours ago

April 1, 2026

Trends Admin

Former governor of Jigawa State, Sule Lamido

EFCC Pushes for Sule Lamido Retrial Before Former Judge

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has reiterated its demand for the retrial of former Jigawa State governor, Sule Lamido, insisting that the case be concluded by the original trial judge, Justice Ijeoma Ojukwu.

At the resumed proceedings before Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court in Abuja, EFCC counsel, Chile Okoroma (SAN), informed the court that the commission had formally written to the Chief Judge, Justice John Tsoho, seeking a fiat to enable Justice Ojukwu—now serving in the Calabar division—to return and conclude the long-running trial.

Okoroma explained that the request was in compliance with the directive of the Supreme Court of Nigeria, which had earlier ordered a retrial of the defendants. He emphasised that the prosecution had already made substantial progress in the case, having called at least 17 witnesses, and argued that justice would be best served if the same judge continues the matter.

According to him, the EFCC is currently awaiting an official response from the Chief Judge regarding the request.

Counsel to the defendants, Joe Agi (SAN), did not oppose the application for adjournment, paving the way for the court to defer proceedings.

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Justice Lifu subsequently adjourned the case to April 30, 2026, for re-arraignment or further proceedings, stating that the decision was made in the interest of justice.

The planned re-arraignment had earlier been stalled on March 13 due to the absence of Lamido and his co-defendants in court.

The development follows a major ruling by the Supreme Court of Nigeria on January 16, 2026, which ordered a fresh trial after overturning earlier decisions of the Court of Appeal.

A five-member panel of the apex court, in unanimous judgments, set aside the July 25, 2023 rulings of the appellate court, which had upheld a no-case submission by Lamido and others and struck out the 37-count charge on jurisdictional grounds.

In its lead judgment delivered by Justice Abubakar Umar, the Supreme Court reinstated the earlier decision of Justice Ojukwu, which dismissed the defendants’ no-case submission and directed them to enter their defence.

The EFCC’s case centres on allegations that Lamido, during his tenure as governor of Jigawa State between 2007 and 2015, abused his office and laundered funds obtained as kickbacks from contractors awarded state projects.

Other defendants in the case include his sons, Aminu and Mustapha Lamido, as well as Aminu Wada Abubakar and two companies—Bamaina Holdings Ltd and Speeds International Ltd.

Legal analysts note that the EFCC’s push for the original trial judge to continue the case is aimed at avoiding a fresh start (trial de novo), which could prolong the already protracted proceedings and require recalling witnesses.

The outcome of the Chief Judge’s decision on granting the fiat will determine whether the case proceeds seamlessly or restarts entirely before a new judge.

EFCC Pushes for Sule Lamido Retrial Before Former Judge

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Fresh Killings, Panic as Curfew Relaxation Backfires in Jos

Published

12 hours ago

April 1, 2026

Trends Admin

Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang

Fresh Killings, Panic as Curfew Relaxation Backfires in Jos

Heightened tension has returned to parts of Jos on Wednesday following the relaxation of the 48-hour curfew earlier imposed by the Plateau State Government after the deadly attack in Angwan Rukuba.

The curfew was initially enforced in Jos North Local Government Area after gunmen stormed Angwan Rukuba on Sunday, killing no fewer than 28 residents in one of the latest outbreaks of violence in the state.

In a bid to restore normalcy, the state government announced a partial relaxation of the restriction. The Commissioner for Information and Communication, Hon. Joyce Lohya Ramnap, disclosed that residents would now be allowed to move freely between 7:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. daily, beginning Wednesday, April 1, 2026.

However, rather than easing tension, the development appears to have triggered fresh unrest.

Reports from multiple areas indicate that hoodlums and irate mobs took advantage of the relaxed curfew to unleash attacks on motorists, commuters, and passers-by, leading to widespread panic across the city.

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A particularly disturbing incident occurred along the road leading to the Permanent Site of the University of Jos, where a young man was reportedly hacked to death by suspected hoodlums.

Eyewitnesses also reported that several vehicles were vandalised, with windscreens smashed in areas including Terminus, Bauchi Road, and Gangare. Other flashpoints identified include Farin Gada, Tina Junction, Chobe, and parts of the University of Jos axis.

The renewed violence paralysed commercial activities in affected areas, forcing banks, shops, and other businesses to shut down abruptly amid fears of escalation.

“We are scared to open our shops. We don’t know what might happen,” said Joy Bature, a trader at Terminus Market, reflecting the anxiety gripping residents.

Many residents have expressed frustration that the curfew relaxation, which was intended to provide relief and allow people to attend to daily needs, instead created a security vacuum exploited by criminal elements.

Meanwhile, the University of Jos Alumni Association has raised alarm over the deteriorating security situation, warning that students and staff are increasingly at risk.

In a statement signed by its Global President, Gad Peter Shamaki, the association called on the state government and security agencies to urgently strengthen security deployment across all university campuses, student hostels, surrounding residential areas, and major access roads.

The group emphasised the need for proactive measures to prevent further loss of lives and ensure the safety of the academic community.

Security agencies have reportedly intensified patrols in some affected areas, while residents continue to call for a review of the curfew framework to prevent further breakdown of law and order.

As of the time of filing this report, the Plateau State Government had not announced any further adjustments to the curfew, despite mounting concerns from residents and stakeholders.