News
Ex-governor Victor Attah’s N1.5b suit against AGF successful as court grants his claim.
Former Governor of Akwa Ibom, Victor Attah’s N1.5 billion defamation suit against the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) is set to be heard in a Federal High Court in Abuja. Justice Emeka Nwite ruled in favor of hearing the case and dismissed the preliminary objection raised by the AGF, challenging the court’s jurisdiction to handle the matter.
Attah’s lawyer, Dr. Reuben Atabo, SAN, filed the lawsuit against the AGF as the sole defendant. In the ruling, Justice Nwite agreed with Atabo’s argument that the case falls within the court’s jurisdictional competence as provided in Section 251 of the constitution.
The suit is based on the AGF’s actions, which stemmed from the Federal Government’s administrative decision to retry Victor Attah for a crime he had previously been charged, tried, discharged, and acquitted. The charges against Attah were related to money laundering, conspiracy, and abuse of office. The AGF’s subsequent interview, published in national dailies, prompted Attah to take legal action for defamation.
Justice Emeka Nwite has dismissed the Attorney-General of the Federation’s (AGF) preliminary objection, asserting that the Federal High Court in Abuja has jurisdiction to hear the N1.5 billion defamation suit brought by former Governor Victor Attah of Akwa Ibom.
The judge ruled that the case involves more than just a tort claim; it also seeks declaratory reliefs and a halt to the plaintiff’s second prosecution. Therefore, Section 251(1)(r) applies, granting the court the jurisdiction to hear and determine the suit.
The judge adjourned the hearing of the substantive suit until October 16.
In the suit, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/646/2018, Victor Attah claims that the former AGF, Abubakar Malami, named him among ex-governors to be prosecuted for alleged corruption. As a consequence of this announcement, Attah was placed on the watch list of corrupt Nigerian governors facing corruption charges by the Specialist Crimes Directorate (SCD) and the Metropolitan Police (MP) of the United Kingdom.
Attah denies any involvement in looting the treasury of Akwa Ibom State since leaving office in May 2007 and emphasizes that he has been cleared of all previous allegations.
Victor Attah stated that due to the defendant’s conduct, which led to his name being placed on the watch list of the Specialist Crimes Directorate and the Metropolitan Police of the United Kingdom, he faced significant consequences. His inability to travel to the United Kingdom for international obligations caused him to lose several contracts. Moreover, the publication brought him into public ridicule, tarnishing his reputation as a politician and a trustworthy individual for holding political office. As a result, he suffered substantial losses and damages.
Attah’s attempts to resolve the issue amicably with the AGF were unsuccessful, as the demanded retraction of the publication was not provided. Consequently, he resorted to legal action.
In his prayer to the court, the ex-governor sought various remedies. He requested that the AGF issues an apology to him, which must be published in three national dailies, retracting the alleged defamatory statement. Additionally, he sought an order compelling the AGF to write to the Specialist Crime Directorate of the UK, clarifying that he was not among the ex-governors facing corruption charges.
In the defamation suit, Victor Attah claimed N1.5 billion in general, exemplary, and aggravated damages for the harm caused to his reputation and the significant losses he experienced due to the AGF’s actions.
Investigations by Nigerian Concord Newspaper reveal that the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers Council, Mr. Pius Akutah, has allegedly misappropriated public funds for a lavish lifestyle.
According to our findings, within months of assuming office, Akutah allegedly purchased a bulletproof SUV valued at approximately N850 million. In addition, he is reported to have acquired over twenty exotic SUVs for use as a convoy.
Akutah is also said to have acquired multiple high-value properties, including three in Abuja’s Maitama and Asokoro districts worth over N2 billion, and two in Lagos’ Banana Island valued at N1.8 billion. These acquisitions appear far beyond the scope of his official salary and allowances.
Further investigation suggests that Akutah may be using public funds to support political ambitions, including allegedly grooming militants across 23 local government areas in Benue State for a potential 2027 gubernatorial bid.
Staff of the Shippers Council reportedly claim that Akutah frequently accesses the council’s treasury without proper authorization. Some insiders have indicated that a petition will soon be filed with the EFCC, ICPC, and the Presidency to report his alleged misconduct.
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Investigations by Nigerian Concord Newspaper reveal that the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers Council, Mr. Pius Akutah, has allegedly misappropriated public funds for a lavish lifestyle.
According to our findings, within months of assuming office, Akutah allegedly purchased a bulletproof SUV valued at approximately N850 million. In addition, he is reported to have acquired over twenty exotic SUVs for use as a convoy.
Akutah is also said to have acquired multiple high-value properties, including three in Abuja’s Maitama and Asokoro districts worth over N2 billion, and two in Lagos’ Banana Island valued at N1.8 billion. These acquisitions appear far beyond the scope of his official salary and allowances.
Further investigation suggests that Akutah may be using public funds to support political ambitions, including allegedly grooming militants across 23 local government areas in Benue State for a potential 2027 gubernatorial bid.
Staff of the Shippers Council reportedly claim that Akutah frequently accesses the council’s treasury without proper authorization. Some insiders have indicated that a petition will soon be filed with the EFCC, ICPC, and the Presidency to report his alleged misconduct.
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I am writing to felicitate with Your Excellency, Atku Abubakar, GCON, former Vice-President of Nigeria (Zege Mule u Tiv & Wazirin Adamawa)
on the occasion of your 79th birthday anniversary.
I join your teeming admirers globally in celebrating you on this special day, an adorable Statesman and my Boss.
I recall with nostalgia, how countless generations have benefited from your generosity, wealth of experience and benevolence including being my key benefactor even as a young lawyer for my professional success.
Your Excellency, may your special day be filled with grandeur befitting your illustrious career.
I wish you continued success, prosperity, and an unending stream of accolades.
It takes a remarkable kind of fortitude to remain active in public life well into one’s golden years. Your dedication and patriotism remain truly exceptional.
May you enjoy a day of reflection on your many years of fruitful service to humanity. It is my prayer that God Almighty grants you many more healthy, fruitful, and fulfilling years ahead, and continues to endow you with wisdom, strength, and the grace to keep contributing to our nation-building.
Happy Birthday, Your Excellency.
Michael Kaase Aondoakaa SAN.
Former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice
TAU reaffirms commitment to globally competitive learning
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