Paragraph 1: The Dismissal of a Colossal Claim and Court’s Rebuke of Frivolous Litigation
The Federal High Court in Abuja has dismissed a lawsuit filed by businessman Tunde Omosebi, which sought a staggering £950 trillion in damages from former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar and others. Presiding Justice James Omotosho characterized the case as “highly unreasonable” and cited procedural irregularities and a lack of a reasonable cause of action as grounds for dismissal. The court’s decision underscores a growing concern within the judiciary regarding the misuse of legal processes and the filing of frivolous lawsuits, which consume valuable judicial resources and undermine the integrity of the legal system. Justice Omotosho’s strong words serve as a cautionary note to the legal community, particularly the Nigerian Bar Association, emphasizing the need for responsible and ethical legal practice.
Paragraph 2: Procedural Irregularities and the Unilateral Amendment of the Suit
Omosebi’s initial suit, filed in June 2024, named four defendants: Hallies & Partner Ltd, Atiku Abubakar, Clifford Odibe, and Daniel Mbohok. However, without seeking or obtaining the court’s permission, Omosebi subsequently amended the suit, expanding the list of defendants to 13. This unauthorized alteration constituted a significant procedural flaw, violating established legal protocol and contributing to the case’s dismissal. The court emphasized the importance of adhering to proper procedures, highlighting that such deviations can undermine the fairness and integrity of legal proceedings. The unilateral amendment of the suit underscored a lack of respect for legal procedures and further reinforced the court’s perception of the case as frivolous.
Paragraph 3: The Plaintiff’s Self-Proclaimed Titles and Allegations of Assault and Intimidation
In his statement accompanying the motion, Omosebi identified himself as a businessman and politician, claiming the titles of Chairman of the Federal Executive Council and Prime Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria – positions that do not exist within the Nigerian governmental structure. He alleged that agents of Hallies & Partner Ltd assaulted and criminally intimidated him at his office in July 2023, subjecting him to threats and inhumane comments that infringed upon his liberty and dignity. These allegations, coupled with the exorbitant sum demanded as compensation, raised serious questions about the veracity and reasonableness of Omosebi’s claims.
Paragraph 4: Exorbitant Demands and the Pursuit of Public Apologies and Restrictive Orders
Omosebi’s demands included £950 trillion as compensation for the alleged assault, criminal intimidation, and emotional trauma he purportedly suffered. He also sought an order compelling the defendants to issue public apologies in national and international media outlets in perpetuity, a demand that appeared excessive and punitive. Furthermore, he requested a restrictive order prohibiting the defendants and their associates from coming within a 20-kilometer radius of his businesses and properties, along with an additional £95 trillion in exemplary damages. The sheer magnitude of these demands contributed to the court’s perception of the case as unreasonable and frivolous.
Paragraph 5: A Pattern of Excessive Litigation and a Pending Suit Against the Central Bank Governor
Justice Omotosho pointed out that Omosebi had filed another lawsuit against the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Olayemi Cardoso, and others, seeking a similarly exorbitant sum of £990 trillion. This revelation suggested a pattern of excessive litigation and further underscored the court’s concerns about the plaintiff’s motivations. The court advised Omosebi to await the judgment in the pending case, indicating a desire to consolidate related matters and prevent further misuse of judicial resources. The existence of a similar lawsuit with equally exorbitant demands reinforced the court’s perception of a pattern of frivolous litigation.
Paragraph 6: Protecting the Integrity of the Justice System and a Call for Responsible Legal Practice
Justice Omotosho used the opportunity to emphasize the court’s responsibility to conserve judicial resources and prevent the abuse of legal processes. He stressed the need to filter out frivolous and unreasonable cases, ensuring that the courts remain focused on legitimate legal disputes. His admonition to the legal community served as a reminder that the "temple of justice is not open for everything" and that lawyers have a duty to act responsibly and ethically, refraining from filing suits that lack merit and serve only to clog the courts and undermine public trust in the judicial system. The judge’s words echoed a growing concern about the misuse of legal processes and the need for greater accountability within the legal profession.
