On Tuesday, the Federal High Court in Lagos dismissed a lawsuit challenging the use of Arabic inscriptions on Naira notes.
Justice Yellin Bogoro ruled that the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has the authority to design and issue the nation’s currency under Section 53 (1) of the Banks and Other Financial Institutions Act (BOFIA).
The judge noted that to contest an act or omission of the Federal Government or the CBN, there must be evidence of bad faith, which was not established in this case.
The lawsuit, filed by Lagos-based lawyer Malcom Omirhobo in January 2020, argued that Arabic is not one of Nigeria’s official languages—English, Yoruba, Hausa, and Igbo—and its presence on the Naira notes violates the Constitution.
Omirhobo claimed that Arabic is not indigenous to Nigeria, and its inclusion on the currency is inappropriate.
The CBN responded with a preliminary objection, asserting that Omirhobo lacked the legal standing to bring the matter to court.
They also filed a defense.
Additionally, three other parties—Incorporated Trustees of the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC), its Founder Ishaq Akintola, and Kebbi-based legal practitioner Umar Kalgo—joined as defendants.
After hearing arguments from all parties in May 2024, the court scheduled its judgement for Tuesday.
Justice Bogoro first dismissed the CBN’s preliminary objection, affirming Omirhobo’s standing as a taxpayer and emphasising the importance of encouraging public interest actions.
However, the court concluded that Omirhobo failed to demonstrate that the CBN acted in bad faith, and thus, the suit was dismissed. In response to the ruling, Omirhobo stated that he would review the judgement to determine his next steps.
Omirhobo said that the court recognised Nigeria as a secular state where no religion is superior to another.
The court also acknowledged Nigeria’s multi-ethnic and religious diversity, advising that the CBN and Federal Government consider removing Arabic inscriptions from certain denominations of the Naira to promote harmony.
MURIC celebrated the judgement, describing it as “far-reaching, profound, didactic, and monumental.”
In a statement, Akintola praised the judiciary’s courage and intellectual rigor, criticising Omirhobo’s approach as “naïve and pedestrian.”
“This judgement is a victory for religious tolerance and demonstrates the judiciary’s commitment to upholding Nigeria’s diverse cultural and religious heritage,” Akintola stated.
