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Dr. Bolaji O. Akinyemi, a prominent public intellectual and human rights advocate, has filed a landmark suit at the Federal High Court in Lagos seeking the enforcement of his fundamental human rights and challenging the unlawful extension of tenure within the Nigeria Customs Service.

The suit, (FHC/L/CS/1495/2025) brought pursuant to the Fundamental Rights (Enforcement Procedure) Rules, 2009, and relevant sections of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) and the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023, names as Respondents: President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Attorney General of the Federation, Minister of Finance, Nigeria Customs Service, Nigeria Customs Service Governing Board, Office of the Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs and Excise Services, and Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, Comptroller General of Customs.

The originating summons, filed through Dr. Akinyemi’s legal counsel, Newworth LLP, challenges the purported extension or continued stay in office of Bashir Adewale Adeniyi beyond May 5, 2025, which marks the end of his statutory tenure as Comptroller General.

Key Issues for Determination include whether the President has the constitutional or statutory authority under Section 14(1) of the Nigeria Customs Service Act (2023 as amended) to extend the tenure of Mr. Adeniyi after he proceeds on terminal leave, and whether Mr. Adeniyi can legally continue to act in the capacity of Comptroller General beyond his exit date without violating the rights and due process expectations of Nigerians, particularly Dr. Akinyemi, who claims this impinges on his right to life, dignity, and democratic governance.

Reliefs sought are judicial declarations that any such extension or continued stay in office is illegal and unconstitutional, restraining orders barring both the President and Mr. Adeniyi from executing or accepting any such tenure extension, and any further orders the Court deems just in the interest of constitutional order and rule of law.

This suit underscores a growing concern over the abuse of executive powers in the appointment and tenure elongation of key public officeholders, often at the expense of the Constitution, institutional integrity, and the public interest.

Dr. Akinyemi, speaking through his counsel, emphasized that “this is not just about one officeholder—it is about preserving legality, transparency, and accountability in the governance of our nation. Customs is a vital institution, and illegality at the top compromises national security, economic stability, and citizens’ trust.”

The suit is to be heard at the Federal High Court, Lagos Judicial Division, and was filed by a team of seasoned human rights lawyers led by Ayodele Ademiluyi Esq., alongside Nike Arogundade Esq., Olumide Sonupe Esq., and others of Newworth LLP.

This post has already been read at least 11219 times!