Court Restrains Court Of Appeal President, Justice Dongban-Mensem, & Other Wike-Appointed Trustees From Presiding Over IBB Golf Club AGM
The Federal High Court sitting in Abuja, presided over by Hon. Justice Emeka Nwite, has issued a restraining order against a group of purported trustees from presiding over the upcoming Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the IBB International Golf and Country Club, scheduled for Saturday, April 26, 2025.
The court’s decision followed a suit filed by Ubong Esop Akpan, Tijani Abdulsalam Ogueyi, and Olalere Babasola, who challenged the legality of the trustees’ appointment. The trustees, allegedly appointed by the Honourable Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, include Hon. Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem, who was named chairperson.
The plaintiffs, represented by a legal team led by K.T. Turaki, SAN, and supported by Y.N. Akirikwen, SAN, Abdulaziz Ibrahim, SAN, among others, argued that the appointments were irregular and violated established procedures.
In his ruling on Thursday, Justice Nwite ordered all parties to maintain the status quo ante bellum—the state of affairs before the contested appointments—pending the determination of the plaintiffs’ Motion on Notice. The judge warned that allowing the disputed trustees to conduct the AGM could jeopardize the integrity of the suit and potentially render any judgment ineffective.
The defendants in the suit include the IBB International Golf and Country Club, its Captain, Secretary, and the President of the Court of Appeal. They were represented by S.I. Ameh, SAN; Y.C. Maikyau, SAN; Steve Adehi, SAN; O.M. Atoyebi, SAN; and Dr. Agada Elachi, SAN. Chief Joe Kyari Gadzama, SAN—listed as the 7th defendant—was represented by Chidera Mgbe, Esq., and Mark Asu-Obi, Esq.
Notably, the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) and the Honourable Minister of the FCT, also named in the suit, were not represented in court during Thursday’s proceedings.
The matter has been adjourned to Monday, May 5, 2025, for further hearing.
