By Laraba MUREY
In a landmark judgment delivered on May 20, 2024, the Federal High Court Abuja has declared the destruction of alcoholic beverages as an act of economic sabotage.
The court’s ruling was made in the case of Sesugh Akume versus Attorney-General and Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC with suit number FHC/ABJ/CS/275/2021.
According to the certified true copy of the judgment obtained on August 16, 2024, the court held that breaking bottles of alcoholic beverages and wasting their contents constitutes economic sabotage. The court emphasized that such acts must be frowned upon and not tolerated by Nigeria as a nation.
The judgment, delivered by Honourable Justice Emeka Nwite, stated that, “It is the contention of the applicant that the 2nd respondent (ie EFCC) ought to investigate the common act of Kano State government in seizing, breaking and extravagantly pouring away the liquid content of bottles which forms part of the Value Added Tax being shared by the federal government between it, state(s) of the federation and the local government (system) inclusive of Kano State.
“Now, economic sabotage is one which Nigeria as a ‘nation’ must not tolerate and must be frowned at indeed. The 2nd respondent is duty bound to put a check and stop any act of economic sabotage to the nation.”
The court’s decision establishes a precedent that destruction of alcoholic beverages is a serious offense with consequences. The EFCC is now duty-bound to investigate and prosecute such acts of economic sabotage.
The plaintiff, Sesugh Akume, was represented by learned counsel, Rodney Adzuanaga, Daniel Awuapila, and Gwaza Shenge. The legal team’s diligence and expertise were instrumental in pursuing this matter to a successful conclusion.
