A Federal Capital Territory High Court sitting in Bwari has directed President Bola Tinubu, the Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC), Mr. Bayo Ojulari, and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to show cause why Ojulari should not be suspended from office pending the determination of a suit challenging his competence and alleging serious misconduct.Justice Mohammed Madugu, in a ruling delivered on an ex-parte motion, declined to grant the plaintiff’s immediate request for an interim order compelling President Tinubu to suspend Ojulari or for Ojulari to step aside forthwith.The plaintiff, Incorporated Trustees of Initiative for Promotion of Civic Obligation and Sustainable Peace, had on 27 November 2025 filed the suit asking the court to, among other reliefs:Direct President Tinubu to suspend Ojulari and appoint an acting GCEO while the EFCC concludes its alleged investigation into claims of gross misconduct, abuse of office, money laundering, and economic crimes against him. Restrain Ojulari from performing the functions of his office until the substantive motion on notice is heard. Justice Madugu instead ordered the three defendants (President Tinubu – 1st, EFCC – 2nd, and Bayo Ojulari – 3rd) to, within 14 days, file affidavits showing cause why those two key interim reliefs should not be granted.The court also:Granted leave for substituted service on President Tinubu through the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation at the Federal Ministry of Justice, Abuja. Permitted service on Ojulari through any officer or staff of the Legal Department at NNPC Towers, Herbert Macaulay Way, Central Business District, Abuja. Deemed such substituted service as proper and valid. Granted accelerated hearing and adjourned the matter to 19 January 2026 for hearing of the motion on notice.The substantive suit questions Ojulari’s eligibility and competence to occupy the office of NNPC GCEO and seeks his permanent removal if the allegations are proven.
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