In a recent development, the Federal High Court in Abuja dismissed a suit filed by activist and lawyer, Olukoya Ogungbeje, seeking to compel the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) to investigate and prosecute Mr Peter Obi, the Labour Party (LP) candidate in the 2023 presidential election.
The suit alleged breaches related to asset declaration and was struck out on Tuesday for lack of diligent prosecution.
Ogungbeje’s claims included accusations that Peter Obi failed to declare offshore holdings and their associated assets.
The lawyer also asserted that the LP Presidential candidate operated a foreign account while holding public office and continued as a director of Next International (UK) Limited for 14 months after assuming the position of governor of Anambra State.
These allegations were said to be in violation of the Code of Conduct Bureau and Tribunal Act and the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended).
In a motion on notice filed on November 6, but dated July 3, Ogungbeje sought an order of mandamus compelling the CCB to promptly exercise its constitutional and statutory duties to investigate and prosecute Mr Peter Obi.
The motion also called for a declaration of the CCB’s failure to act on Ogungbeje’s earlier application as a “crass dereliction of public duty, gross abdication of statutory responsibility, and brazen infraction of constitutional obligations and functions.”
Justice Inyang Ekwo had previously granted Ogungbeje’s motion ex-parte on November 1, allowing him to apply for an order of mandamus against the CCB.
The judge instructed Ogungbeje to file his application within 7 days and serve the CCB at least 14 days before the next adjourned date.
However, on the scheduled date, neither the applicant nor his lawyer appeared in court.
Consequently, Justice Ekwo struck out the suit, citing lack of diligent prosecution in a short ruling.
This turn of events raises questions about the thoroughness and commitment of the legal proceedings, leaving the allegations against Peter Obi unaddressed at this time.
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