Court Fines Lawyer N1m for Delaying Jonathan's Suit

The Federal High Court in Abuja imposed a fine of N1 million on lawyer Johnmari Jideobi for frustrating the hearing of a suit he filed against former President Goodluck Jonathan's eligibility to participate in the 2027 general elections. The court's decision stemmed from Jideobi's failure to serve the necessary court documents to the defendants, including the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), within the required six-month period.

During the hearing, neither Jideobi nor his lawyer was present, prompting Jonathan's lawyer, Chief Chris Uche SAN, to request the court to dismiss the case due to lack of diligence. Justice Peter Lifu expressed disappointment over the plaintiff's conduct and ordered that Jideobi be fined for the delays caused.

The court granted a two-hour grace period for the plaintiff to serve the defendants and adjourned the case to May 18, 2026, for a definitive hearing.