A Federal High Court in Lagos Monday declined to compel the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) to release information on asset declarations of politicians and public officials.
![](https://thenigerialawyer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/TheNigerialawyer-WhatsApp-Channel1.jpg")
Justice Muslim Hassan dismissed as unmeritorious an application by the Registered Committee of Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) seeking an order compelling the CCB to make the information, among others, available.
The judge upheld the CCB’s argument that releasing such information is dependent on terms and conditions to be proscribed by the National Assembly.
He referred to Section 15(3) of the Constitution which establishes the Code of Conduct Bureau, its composition and agreed with the CCB that paragraph 3(a,b&c) of Part 1 Third schedule of the 1999 Constitution “is very clear and unambiguous”
“I agree with the respondent that the duty to make the asset declaration form of public officers available for any person or institutions and for whatever purpose is dependent upon terms and conditions to be prescribed the National Assembly,” the judge said.
To achieve this, he noted, the National Assembly has to pass an Act to that effect which has yet to be done.
The court held further that the terms and conditions to be prescribed by National Assembly must be specific and relate to asset declaration of public officers and not a legislation of general nature such as the Freedom of Information Act, 2011.
“In the light of the above, I hold that the instant application is unmerritorous and it is accordingly dismissed,” Hassan said.
SERAP had on June 19, 2019 filed the application seeking leave to apply for judicial review of the CCB.
It also sought an order of mandamus compelling the Bureau to provide information on the number of asset declarations so far verified by it, the number of those declarations found to be false and in breach of the Code of Conduct for Public Officers.
It also prayed that the Bureau be directed to publish any such information widely, including on a dedicated website.
Furthermore, the Applicant also sought an order directing the Respondent to “immediately take cases of false asset declarations to the Code of Conduct Tribunal for effective prosecution of suspects…’
It also prayed that “banning the politicians involved from holding public offices for at least a period of 10 years and seeking refund of stolen public funds” be part of the reliefs the CCB should seek at the Tribunal.
[A MUST HAVE] Evidence Act Demystified With Recent And Contemporary Cases And Materials
Available now for NGN 40,000 at ASC Publications, 10, Boyle Street, Onikan, Lagos. Beside High Court, TBS. Email publications@ayindesanni.com or WhatsApp +2347056667384. Purchase Link: https://paystack.com/buy/evidence-act-complete-annotation
______________________________________________________________________
ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE FOR LAWYERS: A COMPREHENSIVE GUIDE
Reimagine your practice with the power of AI “...this is the only Nigerian book I know of on the topic.” — Ohio Books Ltd
Authored by Ben Ijeoma Adigwe, Esq., ACIArb (UK), LL.M, Dip. in Artificial Intelligence, Director, Delta State Ministry of Justice, Asaba, Nigeria.
Bonus:
Get a FREE eBook titled “How to Use the AI in Legalpedia and Law Pavilion” with every purchase.
How to Order: 📞 Call, Text, or WhatsApp: 08034917063 | 07055285878 📧 Email: benadigwe1@gmail.com 🌐 Website: www.benadigwe.com
Ebook Version: Access directly online at: https://selar.com/prv626
______________________________________________________________________ “Bridging Theory And Courtroom Practice” — Hagler Sunny Okorie, Nathaniel Ngozi Ikeocha Unveil ‘Functional’ Tort Law Book For Nigerian Legal System
The book, titled The Law of Torts in Nigeria: A Functional Approach, authored by Professor Hagler Sunny Okorie Ph.D and Ikeocha, Nathaniel Ngozi Esq, offers law students, practitioners, and academics a comprehensive guide to understanding and applying tort law in Nigerian courts. Interested buyers can place orders via the following contact numbers: 08028636615, 08037667945, 08032253813, or +234 902 196 2209.
______________________________________________________________________
“Enhance Legal Practice With Authoritative Reports” — Alexander Payne Offers Comprehensive Law Reports, Spanning Over A Century Of Nigerian Jurisprudence
Interested buyers are encouraged to place their orders and enquiries via:
0704 444 4777, 0704 444 4999, 0818 199 9888
Website: www.alexandernigeria.com
