The Incorporated Trustees of the Civil Society Observatory for Constitutional and Legal Compliance (CSOCLC) welcomes the decision of the Federal High Court, Abuja Division, delivered on Friday, 17th July 2026, by Hon. Justice E. U. Akpan, granting leave to our organization in 19 separate matters to apply for judicial review and orders of mandamus against officials responsible for the financial administration of Abia State’s 17 Local Government Areas.
A statement made available to newsmen by Chinelo Nwagu, Esq.Program Executive Officer, Civil Society Observatory for Constitutional and Legal Compliance (CSOCLC) says, the ruling represents a major victory for transparency, accountability, and the rule of law in Nigeria’s public finance management. It affirms the right of citizens and civil society organizations to demand information on the stewardship of public funds, particularly at the grassroots level.
Background and Context
Following the Supreme Court of Nigeria’s landmark judgment of 11th July 2024 in Attorney-General of the Federation v. Attorney-General of Abia State & 35 Ors. (which affirmed the financial autonomy of Local Governments as the third tier of government under Section 162 of the 1999 Constitution), CSOCLC initiated comprehensive Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests in early 2026. These requests sought detailed records on:
• Federation Account allocations (FAAC), VAT, IGR, grants and other revenues;
• Bank accounts, mandates, signatories and disbursement schedules;
• Budgets, expenditure reports, audit reports, procurement records; and
• Related oversight and compliance documents for the 2024–2025 fiscal years.
When these requests were met with either silence (deemed refusal) or inadequate responses from the relevant public institutions and officials, CSOCLC approached the Federal High Court through its Lead Counsel, Nnamdi U. Nwokocha-Ahaaiwe, Esq., of NUNALEXIS Solicitors, LP.
The Cases
Justice Akpan granted leave in the following suits:
1 FHC/ABJ/CS/823/2026 – CSOCLC v. Hon. Anthony Chinasa & 6 Ors. (Abia State House of Assembly & State Officials) 2–18. Separate suits against all 17 Local Governments of Abia State (including Aba North, Aba South, Arochukwu, Bende, Ohafia, Isuikwuato, Umunneochi, Umuahia North, Umuahia South, Ikwuano, Isiala Ngwa North & South, Obingwa, Osisioma Ngwa, Ugwunagbo, Ukwa East & Ukwa West) and their principal officers (Chairmen, Treasurers and Leaders of Legislative Councils).
2 FHC/ABJ/CS/886/2026 – CSOCLC v. Mrs. Yetunde B. Oni (MD/CEO, Union Bank of Nigeria Plc) & 2 Ors.
The reliefs sought include orders of mandamus for full disclosure within seven days, declarations of violation of the FOIA, criminal prosecution where applicable, and exemplary damages.
Our Commitment
This judicial breakthrough reinforces that no public official or institution is above the law. Local Government funds belong to the people, and the era of opacity and unaccounted resources must end. CSOCLC will diligently prosecute these matters to their logical conclusion, not only to secure the requested information but to set a precedent that strengthens democratic accountability across Nigeria.
We commend the courage and wisdom of Hon. Justice E. U. Akpan and reaffirm our unwavering dedication to constitutionalism, good governance, and the fight against corruption.
We call on all well-meaning Nigerians, the media, and international partners to monitor these proceedings closely as they have far-reaching implications for local government autonomy and public financial management nationwide.
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