From Godwin Tsa, Abuja
A group of four lawyers has asked the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, to order Mumuni Dagazau, Executive Vice President (Downstream) of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), to step aside.
They said the order was sought in order to allow the House of Representatives Committee on Petroleum Resources (Downstream) investigate corruption, money laundering, and abuse of office allegations against him.
In a motion on notice marked FCT/HC/M/15759/2026, the claimants —Ejike Onukaogu, Gloria Ezeji, Daniel Edeachi, and Akor Dominic Friday,
are also seeking an interim order that would direct President Bola Tinubu, as Chief Executive of the Federation, to suspend Dagazau in the national interest, pending the determination of the motion.
Dagazau is named as the first defendant, while President Tinubu is the second defendant.
The motion, filed by Samuel Momoh on behalf of the claimants, is supported by a 27-paragraph affidavit, deposed to by Ezeji, a legal practitioner and Nigerian citizen.
The claimants described themselves as promoters of the Public Officers Anti-Corruption Watch, as well as legal practitioners, taxpayers, and citizens advocating for accountability, transparency, and good governance.
According to the affidavit, Dagazau allegedly committed corrupt acts, money laundering, and abuse of office during his duties, triggering the ongoing legislative probe.
The claimants noted that the investigation has been widely reported in national dailies, causing concern among citizens. Ezeji averred that the allegations are unbecoming of a public officer and pose a threat to the national interest.
Speaking to newsmen at the court complex, the claimants argued that Dagazau controls key evidence, creating a risk of tampering.
Ejike Onukaogu, speaking on their behalf, added that given the matter’s sensitivity, the President should suspend him. They invoked the principles of natural justice, and stressed that a man cannot be a judge in his own cause.
The claimants relied on Sections 36(1) and 130(2) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended). Section 36(1) guarantees fair hearing, while Section 130(2) designates the President as Head of State, Chief Executive, and Commander-in-Chief.