Human rights activist, Bolaji Akinyemi, has approached a Federal High Court in Lagos to challenge the legality or otherwise of the tenure extension of the Comptroller of Customs, Bashir Adeniyi, by President Bola Tinubu.
The suit (FHC/L/CS/1495/2025) was brought under the Fundamental Rights (Enforcement Procedure) Rules, 2009, and relevant sections of the constitution, and the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023.
Akinyemi in the suit named Tinubu, the Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, Minister of Finance, Wale Edun, the Nigeria Customs Service, Nigeria Customs Service governing board, the office of the comptroller-general of customs, and Adeniyi as respondents.
Addressing journalists in Enugu, the claimant’s lawyers challenged the purported extension or continued stay in office of Adeniyi beyond May 5, 2025, which marked the end of his statutory tenure.
The plaintiff is asking the court to determine whether the president has the constitutional or statutory authority under Section 14 (1) of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023, to extend Adeniyi’s tenure after he had proceeded on terminal leave.
Also, Akinyemi wants the court to rule whether Adeniyi can legally continue to act in the capacity of customs comptroller-general beyond his exit date without violating the rights of Nigerians.
He declared in the suit that the tenure extension impinges on his right to life, dignity, and democratic governance.
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Akinyemi is therefore seeking a declaration that the tenure extension or Adeniyi’s continued stay in office is illegal and unconstitutional, and a restraining order barring both the president and Adeniyi from executing or accepting any such tenure extension.
“This suit underscores a growing concern over the abuse of executive powers in the appointment and tenure elongation of key public office holders, often at the expense of the constitution, institutional integrity, and the public interest.
“This is not just about one office holder, it is about preserving legality, transparency, and accountability in the governance of our nation.
“The customs is a vital institution, and illegality at the top compromises national security, economic stability, and citizens’ trust,” the plaintiff’s lawyers said.
