FCT Court Directs Tinubu, EFCC, NNPC GCEO to Respond to Suit Seeking Ojulari’s Suspension

An Abuja High Court has ordered President Bola Tinubu, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), and the Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited, Bayo Ojulari, to respond to a suit seeking the suspension of the NNPC chief from office.

Justice Mohammed Madugu of the Bwari Division issued the directive while ruling on an ex parte application filed by the Incorporated Trustees of Initiative for Promotion of Civic Obligation and Sustainable Peace.

The group is urging the court to compel President Tinubu to suspend Ojulari or direct him to step aside pending the conclusion of an EFCC investigation into alleged gross misconduct, abuse of office, money laundering, and other financial crimes.

However, Justice Madugu refused to grant the urgent request for Ojulari’s immediate suspension. Instead, he directed all defendants to show cause within 14 days why the interim orders sought by the applicant should not be granted.

The reliefs under consideration include:

1. An interim order requiring the President to suspend Ojulari or ask him to step aside while the EFCC concludes its investigation, and appoint an acting GCEO in the interim.


2. An injunction restraining Ojulari from carrying out his duties as NNPC GCEO during the investigation.


The President is named as the first defendant, the EFCC as the second, and Ojulari as the third.

The court also granted permission for substituted service of court documents on the President through the Attorney-General of the Federation and on Ojulari through the Legal Department at NNPC Towers in Abuja. Justice Madugu ruled that such service would be valid for the proceedings.

He further approved an accelerated hearing of the suit and adjourned the matter to January 19.