Lawyers Request Court to Suspend NNPCL Executive Amid Investigation

Four lawyers have taken legal action in Abuja, asking a court to suspend Mumuni Dagazau, the Executive Vice-President of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL). They want this suspension to last until an investigation by the House of Representatives Committee on Petroleum Resources is complete.

The lawyers, Ejike Onukaogu, Gloria Ezeji, Daniel Edeachi, and Akor Friday, filed their case with the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory. They argue that Dagazau should not continue in his position while facing serious allegations, including corruption and abuse of office.

In their suit, marked M/15759/2026, they also question whether President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has a duty to suspend Dagazau to ensure transparency and accountability during the investigation. They believe that removing Dagazau temporarily would protect the investigation’s integrity and prevent any interference.

The lawyers are asking the court to stop Dagazau from performing his duties until the investigation is over. They also want the court to direct the President or the NNPCL Board to take action to suspend him during this time.

They stress that their aim is not to accuse Dagazau of guilt but to maintain public confidence in the investigation process. Onukaogu stated that the allegations are serious enough to justify a temporary withdrawal from his role.

No hearing date has been set for this case, which was filed by their lawyer, Samuel Momoh. The lawyers emphasize that stepping aside is essential for preserving the integrity of the investigation.