Court Dismisses Suit for NDDC Audit Report Release

On Tuesday, the Federal High Court in Port Harcourt struck out a suit filed by Paul Ogbonna representing the group Social Action against the Attorney General of the Federation. The suit sought to compel the release of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) forensic audit report, which the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs had declined to provide since 2022.

The court, presided over by Justice Turaki Mojam, ruled that the suit was filed against a non-existent government agency, as the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs had been abolished by President Bola Tinubu upon taking office. Victor Nweke, counsel for the plaintiff, expressed displeasure with the ruling, stating that they would seek another opportunity to ensure their client's rights are upheld.

Ogbonna emphasized the importance of public access to the audit report to hold public officials accountable for the management of funds allocated to the NDDC, which has faced scrutiny over its effectiveness in developing the Niger Delta region.