Public intellectual and human rights advocate, Dr Bolaji Akinyemi, on Tuesday filed a suit at the Federal High Court in Lagos, challenging what he describes as the unlawful extension of the tenure of the Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Bashir Adeniyi.
The suit, marked FHC/L/CS/1495/2025, was filed on Monday by Dr. Akinyemi’s legal team from Newworth LLP, led by Ayodele Ademiluyi, with Nike Arogundade and Olumide Sonupe also on the case.
Our correspondent reports that the suit which was shared Bolaji names as respondents the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the Attorney General of the Federation, the Minister of Finance, the Nigeria Customs Service, its Governing Board, the Office of the Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs and Excise Services, and Mr Adeniyi himself.
Dr Akinyemi is asking the court to determine whether President Bola Tinubu has the constitutional powers under Section 14(1) of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023, to extend Mr Adeniyi’s tenure beyond his terminal leave date of May 5, 2025.
The suit seeks a judicial declaration that any such extension or continued stay in office by Adeniyi is illegal, unconstitutional, and a violation of the rule of law. Dr Akinyemi is also praying the court for an order restraining both the President and the Comptroller General from executing or accepting such an extension.
Speaking through his legal counsel, Dr Akinyemi described the suit as a necessary step to preserve democratic governance, transparency, and accountability in public institutions.
“This is not just about one man or one office,” he said. “It’s about protecting the sanctity of our laws and preventing a dangerous precedent that undermines institutions. Customs is a key national agency. Allowing illegal tenure elongation at the top threatens not just institutional morale but also economic security and public trust.”
Lead counsel Ademiluyi added, “When the Constitution or an Act of Parliament clearly defines a term of office, no authority, including the President, has the power to override it by fiat. Any such move is an attack on the rule of law.”
According to the originating summons, Dr Akinyemi claims that the continued stay of Mr Adeniyi in office beyond his lawful tenure infringes upon his own fundamental rights as a Nigerian citizen, particularly his right to life, dignity, and to participate in democratic governance under conditions of legality.
The case, which is expected to be heard in the coming weeks, has sparked fresh debate over the legality of tenure extensions in key public offices across Nigeria.
At the time of filing this report, there had been no official response from the Presidency or the Nigeria Customs Service.
