The Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to halt monthly financial allocations to the Rivers State government following a dispute over alleged constitutional violations.
The court determined that Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s handling of state funds and his presentation of the 2024 budget to a four-member Rivers State House of Assembly violated constitutional norms.
Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, who presided over the ruling on Wednesday, noted that Fubara’s actions amounted to a “constitutional aberration” that undermines established governance procedures.
In her decision, Justice Abdulmalik criticized the governor’s management of the state’s budget, stating it contravenes the 1999 Constitution, which he swore to uphold.
Consequently, the court issued an injunction, barring the CBN, the Accountant General of the Federation, and the banks involved—Zenith Bank and Access Bank—from facilitating any further access to federal funds for Rivers State through the Consolidated Revenue and Federation Accounts.