CBN boss, deputy, CCB, dragged to court over declaration of assets

The acting governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mr. Folashodun Shonubi, and deputy governor, Mr. Edward Adamu have been dragged to court for alleged failure to declare their assets to the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB).

Joined as a defendant in the suit filed by a group, Network Against Corruption and Trafficking Foundation, NACAT, is the chairman of the Code of Conduct Bureau.

The lawsuit, filed by the group‘s legal counsel, Festus Keyamo Chambers, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1182/2023 and dated August 25, 2023, is based on Section 1(1) and (2) of the Freedom of Information (FOI) Act, 2011.

NACAT is specifically seeking documents related to Mr. Shonubi‘s failure to declare interest in several companies, including 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.

Similarly, the group is requesting the assets and declaration forms of Mr. Adamu, alleging his failure to declare interests in Pinnacle Solutions Network Ltd – RC698688; Elad Global Resources Limited – RC933366; and Global World Frontier Services Nig. Ltd – RC772500.

According to an affidavit deposed by Stanley Ugagbe, the operational Manager of NACAT, the respondents have not provided the requested documents, despite demands.

Ugagbe‘s affidavit states that Mr. Shonubi is listed as a Director in several companies, while Mr. Adamu is listed as a Director in others.

The affidavit claims that, as public officers, both the Acting Governor and Deputy Governor have a statutory obligation to declare their interests in the named companies as part of their Asset Declaration Forms while assuming their respective roles.

NACAT argues that it has the right, under the Freedom of Information Act, 2011, to access these documents in the records of the Code of Conduct Bureau.

The organization has petitioned the Court to compel the respondents to provide the requested information, citing Section 1 (3) of the Freedom of Information Act.

NACAT‘s legal counsel pointed out that letters dated July 3, 2023, and August 14, 2023, were sent to the respondents, requesting the documents, but were met with refusal.

The counsel stressed that the respondents‘ failure to produce the requested documents is in violation of section 4 (a) of the Freedom of Information Act, 2011.

NACAT, a non-governmental organization focused on anti-corruption and pro-democracy efforts, aims to contribute to the global fight against corruption, financial crimes, terrorism, and economic sabotage.