The Supreme Court has struck out a lawsuit filed by all 36 state governments and the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) challenging the federal government’s management and allocation of recovered looted assets.

In a unanimous decision delivered on Friday by a seven-member panel, the apex court ruled that the case was filed in the wrong court.

While Justice Chidiebere Uwa prepared the judgment, it was read by Justice Mohammed Idris.

The court found that the states had “wrongly invoked its jurisdiction,” ruling that the subject of the suit falls under the Federal High Court’s purview rather than the Supreme Court’s original jurisdiction. The case had been filed under suit number SC/CV/395/2021.

The states contended that “between 2015 and 2021 when the suit was filed, the FG has secured both international and municipal forfeiture, recovery and repatriation of ‘stolen assets’ in the sum of ₦1,836,906,543,658.73, about 167 properties, 450 cars, 300 trucks and cargoes, and 20,000,000 barrels of crude oil worth over ₦450 million,” alleging that these were not properly remitted.

They accused the Federal Government of diverting the recovered assets into accounts not recognised by the Constitution, particularly the Consolidated Revenue Accounts (CRA), instead of the Federation Account, which they argued is the only constitutionally valid repository.

The plaintiffs claimed that “the CRA is the account into which FG’s share from the Federation Account, other federal earnings and funds belonging to specific state governments are paid.”

They emphasized that other revenues payable to the CRA include “receipts from federal government licenses and land revenue, administrative fees, earnings and sales, rent of government property, interests from federal government investments, repayments from state governments, Personal Income Tax of Armed Forces and others.”

According to them, the creation of the Asset Recovery Account and Interim Forfeiture Recovery Account through which recovered assets were allegedly channeled contradicted constitutional provisions.

They said: “By establishing the Asset Recovery Account and Interim Forfeiture Recovery Account, into which revenue from recovered assets was to be paid, the Asset Recovery Regulation contradicts the provisions of the Constitution.”

The plaintiffs maintained that “numerous recoveries of illegally acquired assets have been secured through anti-corruption and law enforcement agencies,” referencing institutions such as the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), the Nigerian Police Force, and the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation.

They cited sections 162(1), 162(10), and 80 of the Constitution as well as section 2 of the Finance (Control and Management) Act, 1958, to support their claim that all such funds should be deposited into the Federation Account.

“It is unconstitutional to remit or divert revenue payable into the Federation Account to the Consolidated Revenue Account of the Federal Government or any other account whatsoever, or to apply the said revenue to any other purpose,” they argued.

In their prayers to the court, the states requested a declaration “that by the provisions of Section 162(1) and Section 162(10) of the Constitution of all income, returns, proceeds or receipts howsoever described derived from confiscated, forfeited and/or recovered assets constitute revenue of the federal republic of Nigeria, must be remitted to the Federation Account for the collective benefit of the federal, state and local governments.”

They also asked for an order compelling the Federal Government to return ₦1.8 trillion in cash and ₦450 billion in non-cash assets recovered since 2015 to the Federation Account.

Additionally, the plaintiffs sought a court order mandating the President and other relevant federal agencies to provide “a detailed account of the recovered assets that are not remitted into the Federation Account.”

Finally, they urged the Supreme Court to compel the Revenue Mobilisation and Fiscal Commission (RMFAC) to establish “modalities for distributing recovered assets among the federating units.”

Supporters of former Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola have sparked political buzz following a public display of support for former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.

The group, during Atiku’s visit to Aregbesola’s residence in Osun on Friday, sang songs in his praise and declared their opposition to President Bola Tinubu’s anticipated re-election bid in 2027.

Atiku, who shared footage of the visit on his X account, was greeted by Yoruba praise singers dressed in coordinated white outfits and yellow caps.

The musical welcome quickly evolved from a cultural performance to an overt political message.

“Atiku is Aregbesola’s ally. Atiku is our father. Atiku is our person,” they chanted, with the rhythmic beat of the talking drum. The chorus then shifted to a direct political message: “In 2027, Tinubu will fall down.”

This public show of support comes as talks of a united opposition front to unseat Tinubu in 2027 gain momentum.

Aregbesola, once a trusted ally of the president, fell out with Tinubu during a rift over the politics of Osun State.

Gboyega Oyetola, Tinubu’s associate and relative, succeeded Aregbesola as governor in 2018.

However, Aregbesola later opposed Oyetola’s re-election efforts, deepening the political divide.

Their strained relationship reached a low point when Aregbesola ridiculed Tinubu during a 2022 rally, saying the president was “urinating on himself.”

Although Aregbesola would later ask for Tinubu’s forgiveness and publicly referred to him as his “political benefactor,” his recent alignment with Atiku suggests a possible return to active opposition politics, potentially as part of a coalition aimed at ending Tinubu’s tenure in 2027.

President Bola Tinubu expressed expectations of more political defections to the All Progressives Congress (APC) as Nigeria approaches the 2027 general elections.

Speaking at the APC Renewed Hope Agenda Summit held at the State House Conference Centre, Abuja, on Thursday, President Tinubu remarked,

“You don’t expect people to remain in a sinking ship without a life jacket. I am happy with what we have accomplished and expecting more people to come; that’s the game.”

The summit was attended by party leaders, the National Working Committee, the leadership of the National Assembly, and the Progressive Governors’ Forum, all of whom collectively endorsed President Tinubu for a second term.

The President highlighted the administration’s focus on long-term economic reforms, which have garnered positive reviews both domestically and internationally.

He emphasized that defection is a natural part of the political process, stating,

“A one-party system is not suitable for democracy. We are one party ruling and carrying on with the aspirations of Nigerians.”

President Tinubu acknowledged the constitutional right of citizens to choose their associations, adding,

“I thank every one of you. I am thoroughly inspired. We are just halfway through the journey that started 24 months ago.”

He expressed gratitude to members of the Federal Executive Council for their dedication to the vision of a better Nigeria and to the party leadership and National Assembly for their support.

The President reiterated the administration’s commitment to addressing Nigeria’s challenges by rebuilding trust, fostering prosperity, and restoring the nation’s economic trajectory. He stated,

“Through our Renewed Hope Agenda, our administration pledged to tackle economic instability, improve security nationwide, reduce corruption, reform governance, and lift our people out of poverty.”

Regarding economic reforms, President Tinubu noted the necessity of tough decisions, asserting,

“Yes, we encountered challenges when we assumed office in May 2023, but we have made progress by implementing difficult, long overdue but necessary economic reforms.”

He pointed to the elimination of arbitrage-driven multiple foreign exchanges and upcoming tax reforms as steps toward attracting foreign direct investments, which will ultimately create jobs and improve the standard of living for Nigerians.

In his remarks, the Chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum and Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma, commended President Tinubu’s inspiring and visionary leadership, expressing support for his second term bid.

Governor Uzodimma moved a motion passing a vote of confidence in the President, which was seconded by the Governor of Kaduna State, Uba Sani.

The Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, also lauded the President for his inclusive leadership and pledged their support for his re-election.

The APC Chairman, Abdullahi Ganduje, who led the National Working Committee members to endorse President Tinubu for a second term, urged party members to reject internal sabotage, engage communities, listen to citizens, and build a political structure beyond elections.

He emphasized the importance of rallying behind the President and supporting the party’s policies to deliver the Renewed Hope Nigerians rightfully deserve.

The summit served as a platform to review the administration’s two-year performance across key economic sectors, including health, infrastructure, and security.

Former Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, has firmly denied any interest in contesting the 2027 presidential election, saying he has no plans to run against President Bola Tinubu.

Bello’s stance was made public in a statement released on Friday by his Media Director, Michael Ohiare.

The clarification followed the circulation of an old video from a 2022 rally, which some falsely claimed signaled Bello’s campaign against President Tinubu.

“While we state categorically, that our principal, Bello, has no 2027 presidential ambition, we want to also stress his unflinching commitment to the re-election of President Tinubu come 2027,” the statement read.

Ohiare praised the current administration, saying, “The indices cannot lie. The President and his team have done exceedingly well for the country, despite global challenges. On merit, he deserves the support of well-meaning Nigerians.”

He dismissed the circulating post as a deliberate attempt to mislead the public. “Nigerians should disregard the mischievous post insinuating a fresh presidential support rally as what it is, a senseless post by a confused, witless mind,” he said.

Highlighting the obvious timestamp on the event materials, Ohiare continued, “The fabricators forgot that the 2022 dates are boldly written on the banners on display. Yet, they expect reasonable people not to see this as the handiwork of detractors.”

He described those behind the video as mischief makers who thrive on spreading falsehoods.

“The fabricators have tried so hard in their ‘bring-him-down-at-all-costs’ mission against Bello but have always failed woefully,” he added.

Ohiare also noted this was not the first attempt to pit Bello against President Tinubu.

“But this latest slant of reposting a 2022 rally afresh and insinuating that it is just happening, connotes nothing but sheer mischief.”

He concluded by warning Nigerians to remain alert against disinformation.

“Nigerians should be wary of witless persons who concoct stories without thinking, just to satisfy the interests of their paymasters.”

According to him, the video is simply a desperate effort to create a crisis where none exists.