Court Asked To Restrain Kogo As Code Of Conduct Tribunal Chairman

A Federal High Court in Abuja has been urged to restrain Mainasara Kogo from parading himself as the chairman of the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT) following the controversial removal of Justice Danladi Umar.

The plaintiffs, Community Rescue Initiative, Toro Concerned Citizens & Relief Foundation, and Nasiru Bala, filed a motion ex parte dated January 24, 2025, asking the court to prevent Kogo from interfering with the tribunal’s administration or obstructing its officials until the substantive motion is determined.

Justice Umar was removed as the tribunal chairman by the Senate last year over allegations of gross misconduct. However, the plaintiffs argue that the removal violated constitutional provisions.

Naija News gathered that they are seeking an interim injunction to stop Kogo from assuming the chairmanship and to bar the National Judicial Council (NJC) and the Federal Judicial Service Commission (FJSC) from swearing him in.

The application also seeks to prevent law enforcement agencies, including the police and the Department of State Services (DSS), from intimidating tribunal officials or interfering with Justice Umar’s functions while the case is ongoing.

The suit, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1796/2024, challenges the legality of Justice Umar’s removal. The plaintiffs contend that his ousting by the National Assembly failed to comply with due process as outlined in the 1999 Constitution.

They argue that Justice Umar remains the substantive chairman of the tribunal and that the resolution passed by the National Assembly was unconstitutional.

The plaintiffs allege that the President, acting through the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, prematurely disengaged Justice Umar.

The plaintiffs accused Kogo, who is yet to be sworn in, of obstructing Justice Umar’s duties and disrupting the tribunal’s operations. They claim Kogo’s interference is frustrating the smooth functioning of the tribunal.

The application also names several respondents, including President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Attorney-General of the Federation, the Senate President, the National Assembly Clerk, the NJC, and the FJSC.

The plaintiffs are seeking seven declaratory reliefs, including:

– A declaration that Justice Umar’s removal is unconstitutional and void.

– An order restraining the Clerk of the National Assembly from transmitting the removal resolution to the President.

– An injunction preventing the President from acting on the resolution or appointing a new chairman while Justice Umar’s term remains valid.

– A directive barring Kogo from interfering with the tribunal’s operations or hindering Justice Umar.