'We have rights' - Group drags acting CBN Governor Shonubi to court over asset declaration

The Network Against Corruption and Trafficking Foundation (NACAT) has taken legal action against Folashodun Shonubi, the current Acting Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), and Mr. Edward Adamu, a Deputy Governor of the CBN.

The allegations pertain to their failure to adhere to the asset declaration requirements set by the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB).

A lawsuit filed on August 25, 2023, before the Federal High Court in Abuja marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1182/2023 also names the Code of Conduct Bureau Chairman as a defendant.

The legal proceedings are based on Section 1(1) and (2) of the Freedom of Information (FOI) Act, 2011, Vanguard reports.

Details of the lawsuit

NACAT is in pursuit of documents related to allegations of Shonubi's failure to disclose interests in certain companies, such as 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).

Additionally, the organization is requesting the assets and declaration forms of Adamu, pertaining to firms like Pinnacle Solutions Network Ltd (RC698688), Elad Global Resources Limited (RC933366), and Global World Frontier Services Nig. Ltd (RC772500).

NACAT defends action

Supporting the motion with an affidavit, Stanley Ugagbe, NACAT's operational manager, indicated that the respondents had denied access to the requested documentation. Ugagbe further asserted that Shonubi and Adamu were listed as directors in several companies mentioned.

Ugagbe argued that the second and third respondents, who hold public office positions, are legally obliged to declare their interests in these companies according to their roles as Acting Governor and Deputy Governor of the CBN.

NACAT contends that, by the Freedom of Information Act 2011, it possesses the right to obtain these declaration forms.

"It is within our right to demand the declaration form" The group argued that this action violates section 4(a) of the Freedom of Information Act, 2011.