Court Dismisses ADC Official's Suit, Awards N100m Costs

On Monday, the Federal High Court in Abuja dismissed a suit filed by Nkemakolam Ukandu, the National Welfare Secretary of the African Democratic Congress, against Justices John Tsoho and Peter Lifu. The court, presided over by Justice Salim Ibrahim, awarded N100 million in costs against Ukandu for failing to diligently prosecute the case.

Neither Ukandu nor his counsel appeared in court despite being served with a hearing notice. Justice Tsoho ordered Ukandu to pay N50 million to the second and third defendants within 14 days, based on the provisions of Order 19(1) of the Federal High Court Rules 2019.

The suit arose amid a leadership crisis within the ADC, where Ukandu sought to compel the National Judicial Council to investigate alleged corruption against the two judges. The court noted that Ukandu had changed his address during the proceedings, complicating service of court documents.