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Cabinet officials

Human Rights Activist Challenges President Tinubu's Extension of NCS Comptroller General's Tenure

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

A suit has been filed at the Federal High Court in Lagos State by human rights activist, Bolaji Akinyemi, challenging President Bola Tinubu's extension of Bashir Adeniyi's tenure as the Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS). The suit, brought under the Fundamental Rights (Enforcement Procedure) Rules, 2009, relevant sections of the Nigerian Constitution, and the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023, seeks to declare the extension of Mr. Adeniyi's tenure as illegal and unconstitutional. The plaintiff argues that the continued stay in office of Mr. Adeniyi impinges on the right to life, dignity, and democratic governance.

Key Takeaways:

  • The suit was filed by Bolaji Akinyemi, a human rights activist, against President Bola Tinubu and other respondents, challenging the extension of Bashir Adeniyi's tenure as the Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS).
  • The suit argues that the extension of Mr. Adeniyi's tenure is illegal and unconstitutional, and impinges on the right to life, dignity, and democratic governance.
  • The lawyers for the plaintiff, led by Ayodele Ademiluyi, stated that the court would determine whether President Tinubu has the constitutional or statutory authority to extend the tenure of Mr. Adeniyi under Section 14(1) of the Nigeria Customs Service Act (2023 as amended).
  • The plaintiff seeks restraining orders against both the President and Mr. Adeniyi from executing or accepting any tenure extension.
  • The NCS's national spokesperson, Abdullahi Maiwada, previously refuted reports of the extension, stating that no directive had been communicated to the NCS by the appropriate authorities.

Statistics:

  • 29 July: Mr. Akinyemi filed the suit at the Federal High Court in Lagos State.
  • 31 August 2025: The tenure of Mr. Adeniyi, as Comptroller General of the NCS, was due to elapse.
  • 2023: The Nigeria Customs Service Act was amended, with new provisions regarding the tenure of the Comptroller General.
  • 2024: A report indicated that President Tinubu and the NCS had plans to extend the service years of 12 top officers, including Mr. Adeniyi.
  • 2025: The tenure of Mr. Adeniyi as Comptroller General of the NCS was due to elapse.

Sources:

  • Court document obtained by PREMIUM TIMES (no date)
  • Interview with Bolaji Akinyemi's lawyers, Ayodele Ademiluyi (no date)
  • Press statement by the NCS's national spokesperson, Abdullahi Maiwada (April 2023)
  • Statement by Bayo Onanuga, presidential spokesperson (Thursday)

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