Banking

Court dismisses Falana’s suit against CBN on Polaris Bank sale

A Federal High Court sitting in Lagos has dismissed a suit filed by human rights lawyer, Femi Falana (SAN), challenging a purported sale of Polaris Bank by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

The presiding judge, Justice Lewis Allagoa, on Wednesday, January 24, 2024, dismissed the suit following an application by the lawyer, seeking to discontinue same before the court.

Falana had instituted the action in suit FHC/l/CS/87c/23, against the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and Polaris Bank Nigeria Limited.

In his originating summons, the plaintiff asked the court to determine “Whether by the provisiins of section 42(2) of the Banks and Other Financial Institutions Act 2020, and Public Procurement Act, 2007, the CBN could validly sell Polaris bank for N50 billion having earlier revitalized same for N1.3 trillion.”

READ ALSO: CBN appoints new MDs, EDs for Union, Keystone, Polaris banks

Falana also sought a declaration that the purported sale of Polaris bank by CBN on October 19, 2022, is illegal and violates the Public Procurement Act, 2007.

He said the sale also violated the provisions of Banks and Other Related Institutions Act 2020.

The plaintiff consequently sought an order setting aside the sale of Polaris Bank.

When the case was called on Wednesday, Falana informed the court that he seeks to withdraw and discontinue the suit following a take over of Polaris bank by the federal government.

According to him, the federal government having found that the sale of Polaris Bank was illegal, decided to take over the bank.

Justice Allagoa consequently dismissed the suit but rescinded the cost previously awarded against the defendant.

The judge, therefore, adjourned the matter until February 7.

The Star

Segun Ojo

Recent Posts

Remi Tinubu fulfils N10m pledge to 12-year-old Ogun artist

First Lady Oluremi Tinubu has fulfilled her N10 million education pledge to 12-year-old Ogun State…

6 hours ago

Troops foil kidnap attempt at late Gen Bagudos’ home

Troops of Operation Enduring Peace have foiled an alleged kidnapping attempt at the residence of…

6 hours ago

2027: INEC opposes Atiku’s bid to amend suit against Tinubu, APC

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has opposed an application by the African Democratic Congress…

7 hours ago

FG begins N18bn payout to ex-Nigeria Airways workers

More than two decades after Nigeria Airways was liquidated, the Federal Government has begun settling…

7 hours ago

Melaye to EFCC: Invite Atiku, face trouble

Former Kogi West Senator Dino Melaye has warned the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission against…

8 hours ago

T-Pain sues Akon’s label over $489,000 royalties

American singer T-Pain has taken legal action against Konvict Entertainment, the record label founded by…

8 hours ago

This website uses cookies.