The Federal High Court in Abuja dismissed Festus Keyamo’s lawsuit against Atiku Abubakar, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate in the last presidential election. Keyamo, a former minister of state for Labour and Productivity, had sought Atiku’s arrest and prosecution for alleged corruption. However, the court, in a preliminary stage ruling, deemed the suit frivolous and awarded a fine of N10 million against Keyamo. The judge ordered Keyamo to pay N5 million each to Atiku and the Independent Corrupt Practices and other related offences Commission (ICPC), with a 10 percent interest rate until full payment is made. The court upheld the preliminary objection raised by Atiku’s lawyer and the ICPC’s lawyer, determining that the suit was frivolous, vexatious, and an abuse of court process. The judge emphasized that Keyamo lacked the standing to institute the suit and criticized his attempt to exert authority over the anti-corruption agencies. The court commended the EFCC and ICPC for their restraint and refusal to act as Keyamo’s servants.
