Nigerian Court Strikes Down Anjarwalla’s Suit Against NSA

As a researcher with experience in human rights law, I find this case deeply concerning. The dismissal of Nadeem Anjarwalla’s fundamental rights lawsuit against the Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA) and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) due to his absence from court is a troubling development.


A lawsuit filed by Nadeem Anjarwlla, a Binance executive, in Abuja’s Federal High Court over his fundamental rights against the Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA) and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), was recently thrown out due to the absence of Anjarwalla’s legal team during the court proceedings. The judge, Justice Inyang Ekwo, made this decision.

Anjarwalla instigated a lawsuit aimed at having the court declare his detainment by Nigerian authorities as unlawful and order reimbursement of costs in his favor. He underscored the distress and emotional toll endured not only by himself but also by his family and relatives due to the prolonged incarceration.

Tonye Krukrubo, barrister and member of the Nigerian Bar Association, recently stepped down from representing Anjarwalla in this case without disclosing his motive. Shortly afterward, it was verified that Anjarwalla had left the country following an unsuccessful attempt to evade arrest.

At the hearing, Justice Ekwo acknowledged that Krukrubo had previously requested to step down as Anjarwalla’s lawyer so he could secure new representation. Nevertheless, since no substitute attorney emerged, the judge chose to dismiss the case due to insufficient efforts from the prosecution team.

At the latest court hearing, the judge underscored the necessity of having lawyers represent both parties. Unfortunately, Anjarwalla was no longer represented in the case during this session. The registrar called out the case, yet neither Anjarwalla nor counsel from either party attended.

As a result, Justice Ekwo chose to dismiss the human rights lawsuit due to the lack of proper prosecution efforts. This decision marks the conclusion of Anjarwalla’s legal fight against the NSA and EFCC over his detention and related court proceedings.

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2024-06-20 00:52