The Supreme Court has dismissed a suit filed by former presidential candidate Ambrose Owuru, describing it as frivolous and an abuse of court processes. Owuru sought the removal of President Bola Tinubu from office, alleging the President’s disqualification over foreign ties and previous forfeiture issues in the United States.
In the case marked SC/CV/667/2023, Owuru argued that Tinubu was unfit to serve as Nigeria’s President, claiming he was an “active agent of the CIA.” He further sought the declaration of himself as the rightful winner of the 2019 presidential election and called for his immediate inauguration. However, the court, in a unanimous decision led by Justice Uwani Aba-Aji, ruled that Owuru’s suit lacked merit and wasted judicial resources.
Justice Aba-Aji criticized Owuru for repeatedly filing similar cases, warning him and directing the court registry to reject any future related summons. The judge emphasized that such actions undermine the integrity of the court. The apex court fined Owuru N5 million, payable to President Tinubu, to deter further frivolous litigation.
Tinubu’s legal team welcomed the judgment, noting Owuru’s persistent abuse of the judicial process. Counsel Bode Olanipekun (SAN) highlighted that Owuru had previously been fined N40 million by the Court of Appeal for similar frivolous suits. Other senior lawyers suggested disciplinary action against Owuru for conduct unbecoming of a legal practitioner.
The ruling was also praised by the All Progressives Congress (APC), with National Publicity Director Bala Ibrahim describing it as a vindication for President Tinubu. He criticized Owuru for attempting to tarnish Tinubu’s reputation, calling the judgment a deterrent against politically motivated lawsuits.
