Four lawyers have approached the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, seeking an order compelling Mumuni Dagazau, Executive Vice President (Downstream NNPCL) of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), to step aside from office while the House of Representatives investigates allegations of corruption, money laundering and abuse of office against him.
The applicants are also asking the court to direct President Bola Tinubu, in his capacity as Chief Executive of the Federation, to suspend Dagazau in the interest of the nation pending the conclusion of the investigation and the determination of their application.
The suit is contained in a motion on notice marked FCT/HC/M/15759/2026. Dagazau is listed as the first defendant, while President Tinubu is named as the second defendant.
The application was filed by the lawyers — Ejike Onukaogu, Gloria Ezeji, Daniel Edeachi and Akor Dominic Friday — through their counsel, Samuel Momoh. It is supported by a 27-paragraph affidavit sworn to by Ezeji, a legal practitioner and Nigerian citizen.
In the affidavit, the applicants described themselves as promoters of the Public Officers Anti-Corruption Watch. They also identified themselves as legal practitioners, taxpayers and citizens committed to accountability, transparency and good governance in public service.
According to the applicants, allegations of corruption, money laundering and abuse of office have been raised against Dagazau in connection with his official responsibilities. The claims have prompted an investigation by the House of Representatives Committee on Petroleum Resources (Downstream).
However, the allegations have not been established by a court of law, and Dagazau remains entitled to the presumption of innocence under due process.
The lawyers argued that allowing the NNPCL executive to remain in office during the investigation could raise concerns about the credibility and independence of the legislative inquiry. They maintained that his position gives him access to official documents, records and other materials that could be relevant to the investigation.
Speaking with journalists at the court premises, Onukaogu said the sensitive nature of the allegations made it necessary for Dagazau to temporarily step aside to allow the House committee to conduct its work without interference or the perception of interference.
The applicants further urged President Tinubu to suspend the executive pending the outcome of the probe.
They based part of their argument on the principles of natural justice, particularly the rule that no person should be a judge in their own cause. According to them, temporarily removing Dagazau from office would help protect the integrity of the investigation and reduce the risk of possible interference with relevant evidence.
In support of their application, the lawyers cited Sections 36(1) and 130(2) of the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria, as amended.
Section 36(1) guarantees the right to a fair hearing in the determination of civil rights and obligations, while Section 130(2) identifies the President as Head of State, Chief Executive of the Federation and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces.
The court is now being asked to determine whether the circumstances presented by the applicants justify an order requiring Dagazau to step aside and directing the President to suspend him while the House of Representatives investigation continues.
The outcome of the application will determine whether the court grants the requested interim reliefs. Until the allegations are established through the appropriate legal process, they remain allegations against the NNPCL executive.
Spotted an error? Read our Corrections Policy or tell the editors.
Got a story or a tip? Contact Leading Reporters. We protect our sources.
