A Federal High Court sitting in Port Harcourt has dismissed a suit seeking to compel former Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas (rtd), to refund monies allegedly expended from the coffers of the Rivers State Government during his tenure.
The claimant, a civil society group, had alleged that funds belonging to the state were wrongfully diverted and utilized in favour of Ibas while he held office. The group prayed the court to order a full refund to the state treasury.
Delivering judgment on Thursday, Justice Stephen Dalyop Pam held that the plaintiff lacked the locus standi to institute the action, adding that the claims were speculative and unsupported by credible evidence.
>The plaintiff has failed to establish sufficient legal grounds and factual proof to sustain its prayers. This court cannot proceed on conjecture. The suit is therefore dismissed for lacking in merit,” the judge ruled.
Counsel to Ibas welcomed the judgment, describing it as a vindication of his client. He noted that the allegations were politically motivated and aimed at tarnishing the reputation of the retired naval chief.
On the other hand, representatives of the civil society group expressed disappointment, insisting they would study the judgment and consider approaching the Court of Appeal.
Legal experts say the ruling underscores the judiciary’s emphasis on concrete evidence in cases of alleged misappropriation of public funds, while also raising questions about the proper channels for accountability in governance.
