Court to deliver judgment in case challenging appointment of Col. Hameed Ali as Customs Boss today

The Federal High Court, Ikoyi, Lagos, presided over by the Honourable Justice Hassan, will deliver judgment in the case instituted by human rights activist, Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa, challenging the appointment of Col. Hameed Ali, Rtd., as the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service, on September 16, 2016, at 9am.

The case was filed on November 2015, to challenge the appointment of Col. Ali as the Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs Service, by Gen Muhammadu Buhari Rtd.

The case seeks the interpretation of the court as to whether the President can appoint anyone as Comptroller General of customs without complying with section 3 of the Official Gazette of the Federal Republic of Nigeria made on 25th March 2002, wherein it was stipulated that only those within the rank of Deputy Comptroller General of Customs can be elevated as substantive Comptroller General. Adegboruwa then asked the court to nullify the appointment.

In response to the case, the Nigeria Customs Service filed a preliminary objection, dated 29th April, 2016, challenging the locus standi of the applicant to file and maintain the suit. The customs service contended further that Adegboruwa’s suit was a mere academic exercise raising hypothetical questions that the court should not entertain.

The court heard arguments from counsel to the parties on 15th June 2016 and adjourned for judgment, which will now be delivered on Friday, 16th September 2016.