Judicial Capture in Lagos: Court of Appeal’s Ex Parte Orders Rock Confidence
In the case of FBN Quest & Another vs. Nestoil & Others, the Court of Appeal’s ex parte orders are not only egregious but a chilling sign of judicial capture, smacking of dirty practices at best and corruption at worst.
A Shocking Departure from Judicial Norms
The Lagos Court of Appeal’s decision to grant ex parte orders in FBN Quest & Another vs. Nestoil & Others has stunned the legal community. Ex parte rulings are meant for rare emergencies, not appellate courts. By acting without hearing both sides, while the matter was already before the Federal High Court, the court has undermined the principle of natural justice and distorted its own role.
FBN Quest’s Role in Corrupting Process
Observers point to FBN Quest as the driving force behind this judicial anomaly. Its pursuit of ex parte relief at the appellate level is seen as a deliberate attempt to corrupt procedure and upend Nigeria’s jurisprudence. This is not clever lawyering, it reeks of manipulation, dirty practices, and, at worst, outright corruption.
Nigeria’s Image at Risk
At a time when Nigeria is striving to repair its global reputation, this case sends the wrong message. It portrays the country as one where courts can be hijacked by private interests, where fairness is discarded, and where corruption lurks behind judicial robes. For investors and international partners, it reinforces damaging stereotypes of weak institutions and compromised justice.
An Urgent Call for Investigation
These orders are not just irregular — they are evidence of judicial capture. They must be investigated urgently. The Chief Justice of Nigeria, the National Judicial Council, and the Nigerian Bar Association cannot remain silent. If appellate courts become arenas for ex parte adventures, Nigeria’s justice system risks collapse under the weight of manipulation.
Defending the Rule of Law
- Chief Justice of Nigeria: Order a full inquiry into how these orders were issued.
- National Judicial Council: Investigate and discipline judges where misconduct is proven.
- Nigerian Bar Association: Speak with one voice to condemn this abuse and defend due process.
- Civil Society: Stay vigilant, demand transparency, and resist attempts to normalize judicial shortcuts.
Closing Note
The Court of Appeal’s conduct in FBN Quest & Another vs. Nestoil & Others is more than a misstep, it is a warning sign of judicial capture. If Nigeria is serious about restoring its image and strengthening democracy, this case must be investigated, accountability enforced, and reforms implemented. Anything less would be an abdication of the judiciary’s sacred duty to uphold justice.
