An Abuja High Court has begun hearing a case seeking the removal of Executive Directors of the Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS) over alleged violations of constitutional and statutory provisions.
The suit, marked CV/462/26, was instituted by the Incorporated Trustees of Patriotic Youth Organisations of Nigeria, which is asking the court to nullify the appointments and dissolve the agency’s current management board on grounds of illegality and due-process breaches.
Counsel to the claimant, Peter O. Abang, argued that the appointments did not comply with constitutional requirements and established statutory procedures guiding transparency, merit and due approval, thereby weakening public trust in the institution.
Joined as defendants are the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the Attorney-General of the Federation, the Federal Ministry of Justice, and the Nigeria Revenue Service.
The claimant is asking the court to determine whether the provisions of Acts enacted by the National Assembly are binding on all authorities, including the President, and whether any authority has the legal discretion to disregard aspects of the Constitution or statutory laws.
The group is also challenging whether the appointment of the Executive Directors complied with Section 17(1) of the Nigeria Revenue Service (Establishment) Act, 2025, which outlines the qualifications and procedures for such positions.
Specifically, it is questioning the legality of appointing individuals into the roles without strict adherence to the requirements set out in the law.
The claimant contends that the appointments of the 4th to 9th defendants breached the provisions of the Act and amounted to violations of both the Constitution and the NRS Establishment Act.
It is therefore seeking declarations that the appointments are unconstitutional, unlawful, null and void, and of no legal effect.
The suit further asks the court to nullify the appointments of Muhammad A. Lawal, Amina Ado Kurawa, Shettima Tamadi, Obinna Ihedioha, Iniabasi Akpan and Bolaji Akintola as Executive Directors of the NRS.
Additionally, the claimant is requesting an order compelling the President to withdraw the appointments and associated funding, and to ensure strict compliance with statutory provisions in future appointments.
The group is also seeking an injunction restraining the affected directors from carrying out official duties, signing documents or presenting themselves as Executive Directors pending the determination of the case.
