From Victor Osula, Abuja
The Supreme Court has imposed a N5 million fine on Ambrose Albert Owuru, a former presidential candidate of the Hope Democratic Party for filing a frivolous appeal seeking the removal of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
A five-member panel of justices, led by Justice Uwani Musa Abba-Aji, delivered the judgment on Monday, describing Owuru’s claims as baseless and a waste of judicial time.
The Apex Court also directed its registry to reject any future originating summons from Owuru to prevent further abuse of judicial processes.
This is not Owuru’s first sanction over similar actions. The Court of Appeal had earlier imposed a fine of N40 million on him for filing a lawsuit against Tinubu, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and other parties.
In his latest suit (SC/CV/667/2023), Owuru alleged that Tinubu was not qualified to hold office, claiming he was an active agent of the Central Intelligence Agency of the United States. He further argued that Tinubu’s alleged affiliation disqualified him from occupying the Nigerian presidency.
Owuru also alleged that he won the 2019 presidential election but that his tenure was “usurped” by former President Muhammadu Buhari.
He claimed his earlier case, which would have removed Buhari from office, was dismissed by the Supreme Court due to a mix-up in hearing dates.
Dismissing the suit, the Supreme Court described Owuru’s claims as speculative and devoid of merit. The court warned against the misuse of its processes and emphasized that judicial resources must not be wasted on baseless litigation.
The N5 million fine was awarded in favor of President Tinubu, adding to the financial consequences Owuru has faced for pursuing what the court deemed frivolous legal battles.
Defendants in the case included former President Muhammadu Buhari, the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, INEC, and President Tinubu.
They collectively argued that Owuru’s allegations were unfounded and a deliberate attempt to undermine Nigeria’s judicial system.
