In a recent development at the Federal High Court in Abuja, Justice Inyang Ekwo dismissed a fundamental rights enforcement suit filed by Nadeem Anjarwalla, an executive from Binance Holdings Ltd, against the National Security Adviser (NSA) and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). The suit was dismissed on grounds of lack of diligent prosecution.
Key details of the case include:
1. **Dismissal for Lack of Prosecution**: Justice Ekwo ruled to dismiss the suit when neither Anjarwalla nor his legal representative appeared in court. Anjarwalla’s lawyer had previously sought leave to withdraw from the case, which was granted. Subsequently, no new lawyer appeared on Anjarwalla’s behalf during the recent court session.
2. **Background of the Suit**: Anjarwalla, along with his colleague Tigran Gambaryan, had filed a suit seeking their release from detention by the NSA and EFCC. This followed Anjarwalla’s escape from lawful custody on March 22 and subsequent flight to Kenya.
3. **Court Proceedings**: The suits, marked as FHC/ABJ/CS/355/24 and FHC/ABJ/CS/356/24 respectively for Anjarwalla and Gambaryan, were aimed at declaring their detention and the seizure of their passports as violations of their constitutional rights to personal liberty.
4. **Upcoming Proceedings**: Justice Ekwo fixed July 9 for the hearing of Gambaryan’s suit, where a motion to amend the originating process will be considered. Gambaryan was also fined ₦50,000 in favor of the EFCC for joining issues in the matter.
5. **Legal Context**: Despite objections from the EFCC, Justice Ekwo affirmed the right of parties to amend their legal processes before judgment.
This case underscores the complexities and legal battles surrounding issues of detention and fundamental rights in Nigeria’s legal landscape.