A Federal High Court in Port Harcourt has struck out a suit that sought the release of the forensic audit report of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC). The court gave the ruling on Tuesday.
The case was filed by Paul Arochukwu Ogbonna and another applicant under the group Social Action. They listed the Attorney General of the Federation as the respondent.
The plaintiffs filed the suit in 2022. They acted after authorities failed to release the NDDC forensic audit report.
They asked the court to compel the government to publish the report. According to them, the report concerns public funds and accountability.
As a result, they argued that citizens have a right to access it under the Freedom of Information Act.
During the case, the plaintiffs amended their suit. They did this after President Bola Tinubu dissolved the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs.
Because of this change, they updated the list of defendants. They also included the Attorney General of the Federation.
Justice Turaki Mohammed ruled that the case could not continue in its current form. He noted that the original suit targeted an agency that no longer exists.
Therefore, the court struck out the matter.
Counsel to the plaintiffs, Victor Nweke, described the ruling as disappointing. However, he said the legal team may refile the case.
He explained that the court still has jurisdiction if the case is properly presented again.
He also maintained that the government is required to release the report under the Freedom of Information Act.
One of the plaintiffs, Ogbonna, said the case is part of a wider anti-corruption effort. He stressed that Nigerians should have access to the audit report.
In addition, he said the push for transparency will continue despite the court’s decision.
