The Network Against Corruption and Trafficking Foundation (NACAT) has initiated legal proceedings 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 legal action revolves around allegations of non-compliance with asset declaration requirements as stipulated by the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB).
The lawsuit was officially filed on August 25, 2023, at the Federal High Court in Abuja, with the case marked as FHC/ABJ/CS/1182/2023. The Code of Conduct Bureau Chairman has also been named as a defendant in the case. The legal proceedings are grounded in Section 1(1) and (2) of the Freedom of Information (FOI) Act, 2011, as reported by Vanguard.
The crux of the lawsuit lies in NACAT’s quest to obtain documents related to alleged failures in asset disclosure by Folashodun Shonubi. The specific companies in question include 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, NACAT seeks access to the asset declaration forms of Mr. Edward Adamu. The firms linked to these declaration forms include Pinnacle Solutions Network Ltd (RC698688), Elad Global Resources Limited (RC933366), and Global World Frontier Services Nig. Ltd (RC772500).
Stanley Ugagbe, NACAT’s operational manager, supported the legal motion with an affidavit, asserting that both Shonubi and Adamu had denied access to the requested documents. Ugagbe highlighted that these individuals were listed as directors in various companies mentioned in the allegations. Furthermore, Ugagbe contended that Shonubi and Adamu, being public office holders as the Acting Governor and Deputy Governor of the CBN, respectively, are legally bound to declare their interests in these entities. NACAT firmly believes that, under the Freedom of Information Act 2011, they are entitled to acquire these declaration forms.
NACAT’s stance is that the actions of Shonubi and Adamu contravene Section 4(a) of the Freedom of Information Act, 2011. The group asserts their right to demand these declaration forms, as they navigate the legal landscape in pursuit of transparency, accountability, and adherence to the prescribed asset declaration procedures.
