The Federal High Court (FHC) in Makurdi has extended its interim order restraining the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) from releasing the N8 billion judgment sum awarded to victims of the Nigerian Army invasion of communities in Benue State, pending the determination of a motion challenging the proposed disbursement.
Justice R.J. Egbe, on Wednesday, October 14, extended the order originally issued on September 30, 2026, directing that it remain in force until the determination of the motion on notice and for such further days as may be necessary.
The order restrains the Debt Management Office (DMO) from authorising the CBN to pay the money to Rhemalaw Partners, Hon. Eze Nwa-Uwa, The Anavo Institute Limited, Chief J.K. Gadzama, SAN, Ocha P. Ulegede, or any financial institution or person who has acquired or may acquire an interest in the promissory notes relating to the judgment sum.
At Wednesday’s proceedings, counsel to the plaintiffs, Dr. D. O. Penda, drew the court’s attention to the subsisting injunction, arguing that the order should remain in force because the motion on notice had yet to be heard.
Dr. Penda explained that the plaintiffs had just been served with voluminous documents, including counter-affidavits filed by the eighth defendant, Ocha P. Ulegede, in response to both the interlocutory application and the originating summons.
He told the court that the plaintiffs needed time to study the documents and respond, making it impossible to proceed with the hearing as scheduled.
The plaintiffs’ counsel further argued that the interim order was intended to preserve the status quo pending the determination of the application and should not be regarded as having lapsed merely because the initial 14-day period had elapsed.
There was no objection from counsel representing the defendants present in court.
Ruling on the application, Justice Egbe granted the request, holding that the extension was necessary in the interest of justice.
The court subsequently adjourned the hearing of the motion on notice to October 27.
The first, second, fifth and ninth defendants—the Federal Ministry of Finance, the Debt Management Office, Hon. Eze Nwa-Uwa and the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice—were neither represented in court nor had legal representation at the proceedings.
The suit, marked FHC/MKD/CS/123/2026, concerns the N8 billion judgment sum for victims of the Nigerian Army’s invasion of Katsina-Ala, Kwande, Ukum and Logo Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Benue State.
