The Supreme Court of Nigeria has fined Ambrose Albert Owuru, a former presidential candidate of the Hope Democratic Party (HDP), N5 million for filing what it described as a “frivolous and vexatious” lawsuit against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The court also barred its Registry from accepting any further frivolous summons from Owuru.
Owuru, who contested the 2019 presidential election against former President Muhammadu Buhari, had filed a fresh suit seeking the removal of Tinubu as Nigeria’s President. He claimed Tinubu was unqualified for office, citing allegations of drug-related forfeiture in the United States and purported ties to the CIA.
During Monday’s proceedings in Abuja, Justice Uwani Musa Aba-Aji dismissed Owuru’s claims, condemning his conduct as unbecoming of a lawyer with over 40 years of experience. Owuru, who attempted to argue his case in full legal regalia, was ordered to remove his wig and gown before proceeding.
Owuru’s suit, marked SC/CV/667/2023, alleged that his supposed 2019 presidential mandate had been usurped by Buhari for eight years and now by Tinubu. He further prayed the court to declare him Nigeria’s rightful President and order his immediate inauguration.
This isn’t the first time Owuru has faced legal penalties for similar actions. Earlier, the Court of Appeal imposed a N40 million fine against him for filing a related suit. Despite multiple dismissals of his claims, Owuru continues to assert that his tenure as President was wrongfully denied.
Justice Aba-Aji described the case as lacking merit, emphasizing that frivolous suits hinder judicial efficiency. The Apex Court warned Owuru against further misuse of the judicial process, reiterating its commitment to upholding the rule of law.
