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First Bank Top Officials Are Allegedly Accused of Contempt
First Bank Top Officials Are Allegedly Accused of Contempt
First Bank Nigeria Limited has gained attention due to recent events, as senior officials are being sued for contempt by Abdulaziz M. H. Nyanko, a judgment creditor. The Federal High Court, Lagos, under the jurisdiction of Justice Peter Lifu, has set the 25th of March for the hearing of all applications related to this case.
NewsReport indicate that the alleged perpetrators listed alongside First Bank are its 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. A garnishee order absolute granted by Justice M. B. Idris, who is currently serving as an Appeal Court Judge, is the subject of this case. It concerns Abdulaziz M.H. Nyako v. Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and Others, with case number FHC/L/CS/149/2019.
During the hearing, the judgment creditor’s counsel, Olukoya Ogungbeje, emphasized that the alleged defendants have continued to disobey the court order. He cited various legal provisions under which the contempt suit was filed, including the Sheriffs and Civil Process Act, Federal High Court Civil Procedure Rules 2019, Judgments Enforcement Rules, and the inherent jurisdiction preserved by the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Ogungbeje also asserted that since contempt proceedings are of a criminal nature, the alleged perpetrators must first appear before the court.
In response, counsel to First Bank and its co-alleged contemnors, E. A. Okorie, raised objections based on jurisdiction, stating that the court lacks jurisdiction due to an entered appeal. After hearing submissions from both parties, Justice Lifu adjourned the case to the 25th of March for the hearing of all applications related to the contempt suit.
The judgment creditor/applicant has requested the court declare that the contemnors are bound to obey and comply with the Garnishee Order Absolute and has sought orders for the conviction and commitment of the alleged contemnors for willfully and deliberately disobeying the court’s order.
The outcome of this case will likely have implications for both First Bank Nigeria Limited and the individuals involved. It underscores the importance of adhering to court orders and the potential consequences of failing to do so. Stakeholders and the general public will be closely monitoring the implications for the bank’s leadership and operations as the legal proceedings progress.
An order of the Court convicting and committing the 4th Contemnor herein, Francis O. Shobo, to the Nigerian Correctional Services, Ikoyi Service/Prison for willfully and deliberately disobeying the Order of this Honourable Court made on March 8, 2022,An order of the Court that all the contemnors shall remain committed and incarcerated in the Nigerian Correctional Services, Ikoyi Service/Prison Custody until they purge themselves of contempt of court.”
It’s important to note that the information provided in this blog post is based on available public information and does not constitute legal advice. The final verdict and its implications will depend on the court’s decision and subsequent legal proceedings.
