First Bank Officials Face Contempt Charges Over Alleged Disobedience of Court Order
The Federal High Court in Lagos, presided over by Justice Peter Lifu, has set March 25 for the hearing of a contempt proceeding suit against First Bank Nigeria Limited and three of its officials. The suit was filed by judgment creditor Abdulaziz M. H. Nyanko.
The alleged contemnors include the former Chairperson, Mrs. Ibukun A. Awosika; the current Managing Director, Mr. Adesola K. Adeduntan; and Francis O. Shobo, the bank’s former Deputy Managing Director.
Justice Lifu scheduled the date after considering arguments from Nyanko’s counsel, Olukoya Ogungbeje, and the alleged contemnors’ counsel, E. A. Okorie, on January 12, 2024.
During the hearing, Nyanko’s lawyer informed the court that the contempt application was related to the persistent disregard of the Garnishee Order Absolute issued by Justice M. B. Idris on March 8, 2022. This order was in connection with a case involving AbdulAziz M.H Nyako Vs Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and Others.
Ogungbeje argued that the contempt suit was based on legal provisions, including Section 72 of the Sheriffs and Civil Process Act and various rules from the Federal High Court Civil Procedure Rules 2019. He emphasized that, being criminal in nature, the alleged contemnors should appear before the court before any application from them could be entertained.
In response, Okorie, representing First Bank and its officials, raised objections based on jurisdiction, stating that the court lacks jurisdiction due to an entered appeal.
Justice Lifu, after considering submissions, adjourned the case to March 25 for the hearing of all applications related to the contempt suit.
Nyanko seeks several court orders, including a declaration that the contemnors must comply with the Garnishee Order Absolute and requests the court to convict and commit the individuals to the Nigerian Correctional Services, Ikoyi, until they purge themselves of contempt of court.
