A Federal High Court in Abuja has dismissed a staggering £950 trillion human rights lawsuit filed by businessman Tunde Omosebi against former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar and several others, declaring the case “highly unreasonable.”
Justice James Omotosho, delivering the judgment on Thursday, struck out the suit, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/767/2024, on the grounds of procedural irregularities and the absence of a reasonable cause of action.
Originally filed on June 5, 2024, Omosebi’s suit named Hallies & Partner Ltd, Atiku Abubakar, Clifford Odibe, and Daniel Mbohok as the 1st to 4th defendants.
However, by May 5, the claimant unilaterally amended the suit to include a total of 13 defendants, without securing the court’s approval.
In documents attached to his originating motion, Omosebi described himself as a businessman and politician, holding titles such as Chairman of the Federal Executive Council and Prime Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
He claimed that on July 6, 2023, agents of Hallies & Partner Ltd entered his office and subjected him to assault and criminal intimidation.
He alleged that they made degrading remarks and threats that violated his liberty and dignity.
Omosebi sought £950 trillion in damages for what he described as trauma and rights violations.
He also requested a perpetual public apology from the defendants, to be published in both national and international media.
Furthermore, he asked the court to bar the defendants and their associates from coming within a 20-kilometre radius of his business interests.
An additional £95 trillion was sought in exemplary damages.
In his ruling, Justice Omotosho emphasized the need for judicial prudence in managing court time and resources.
“We cannot continue this way because the temple of justice is not open for everything,” he said, cautioning against the filing of frivolous cases.
The judge noted that Omosebi’s failure to seek leave of court before amending his suit was a critical procedural misstep.
He further pointed out that Omosebi has another pending suit against the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Olayemi Cardoso, and others, in which he is demanding £990 trillion.
The court advised the claimant to await the ruling in that separate matter, which is scheduled for June 4, when the court will hear preliminary objections raised by the defendants.
Justice Omotosho concluded with a call to the Nigerian Bar Association and legal professionals to refrain from encouraging baseless litigation.
