posted 16th April 2025
Federal High Court in Abuja Issues Interlocutory Injunction Against IBB Golf Club Trustees
Abuja, 16 April 2025 – The Federal High Court in Abuja has granted an interlocutory injunction restraining the Incorporated Trustees of IBB International Golf and Country Club, along with several other defendants, from taking certain actions pending the determination of a substantive suit. The ruling, delivered on Monday, 14 April 2025, stems from a motion on notice brought by three plaintiffs: Ubong Esop Akpan, Tijani Abdulsalam Ogueyi, and Olalere Babasola.
The suit, filed under case number FHC/ABJ/CS/697/25, names the Incorporated Trustees of IBB International Golf and Country Club, Mr Ibrahim Babayo (sued in his capacity as Club Captain), Mr Bola Aliyu-Faniyan (sued as Club Secretary), the Honourable Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem (CFR, sued in her capacity as the purported Chairman of the Appointed Incorporated Trustees of IBBIG & CC), other purported Incorporated Trustees of IBBIG & CC appointed by the Corporate Affairs Commission, and Chief Joe Kyari Gadzama (SAN) as defendants.
In the motion, the plaintiffs sought several orders, including restraining the first to fifth defendants—whether acting by themselves, agents, or proxies—from presenting or further presenting the list, details, and particulars of the purported Incorporated Trustees appointed by the fourth defendant, the Corporate Affairs Commission, for the purpose of approval and registration under the Companies and Allied Matters Act, 2020. The court also restrained the defendants from presiding, chairing, moderating, or overseeing the proposed Annual General Meeting scheduled for 26 April 2025, or any other rescheduled date, until the substantive suit is determined.
Additionally, the court issued an order preventing the first, second, and fifth defendants from taking steps to regulate or administer the affairs of other members of the first defendant, pending the hearing. The sixth defendant was restrained from accepting and registering the names and particulars of the fifth defendant as the first defendant’s Incorporated Trustees, also pending the determination of the suit.
The court further ordered that the matter be heard on an expedited basis, with counsel for the plaintiffs, K.T. Turaki (SAN, FCIArb), Y.N. Aikikwen, Abdullahi Ibrahim (SAN), Nasir Saidu (Esq., ACIArb), Samson Okpetu (JP, Esq., ACIArb), Shimasaan Gbanger (Esq.), and K.T. Turaki & Co., present at the proceedings. The plaintiffs’ counsel prayed for the court to grant the reliefs sought, which the court deemed fit to approve under the circumstances.
The case highlights ongoing disputes within the leadership and administration of the IBB International Golf and Country Club, with the plaintiffs seeking to challenge the legitimacy of certain appointments and actions taken by the defendants. The matter is set to proceed to a full hearing, with the court’s orders remaining in effect until the substantive suit is resolved.
