A Federal High Court in Lagos has struck out a suit filed by a Non Governmental Organization (NGO), Civil Society Network Against Corruption (CSNAC), seeking for an order of mandamus to compel the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to begin the prosecution of Mr. Goodie Ibru, the elder brother to the late Publisher of the Guardian Newspaper, Alex Ibru. The was struck out by Justice Ibrahim Buba for lack of diligent prosecution. The NGO had in its motion on notice filed before the court, sought for an order of mandamus directing the EFCC to furnish it with the investigation report on the allegations of impersonation, fraud, obtaining money by false pretence and stealing alleged against Ibru and one, Sunday Akinsanya (both Directors of IHL Services Ltd). When the matter was called yesterday, there was no legal representation for the NGO and the EFCC. However, a new twist was introduced to the case as another group known as the ‘Incorporated Trustees of Civil Society Network Against Corruption’, stormed the court with an application seeking to be joined as a co-defendant in the matter. In its motion on notice, the group claimed that it has come to the court to protect its corporate name from unauthorized use and impersonation. The group said the ‘Civil Society Network Against Corruption’, does not have its consent and authority to institute the action in the first place. The party seeking to be joined further claimed that it is the legal person duly registered with the name with which the suit was filed and that is the only one entitled to maintain any action. Justice Buba while expressing his displeasure at the lack of legal representation for both CSNAC and EFCC struck out the suit. He then advised party seeking to be joined as co-defendant in the matter to file a fresh suit to ventilate their grievances.
