Adamawa Secures Legal Victory, Avoids $35.6 Million Liability

The Adamawa State Government has secured a major legal victory, saving the state from paying $35,618,054.61 to businessman and politician Ned Munir Nwoko following a ruling by the Court of Appeal.

The dispute arose after Nwoko sued the state government at the Federal Capital Territory High Court, Abuja, seeking payment of the stated amount. In a default judgment, the High Court granted the reliefs sought by the plaintiff and subsequently issued an Order Nisi in garnishee proceedings against all banks in Nigeria. The order directed financial institutions to attach funds belonging to the Adamawa State Government until the full judgment sum was recovered.

Upon becoming aware of the judgment and the garnishee order, the state government swiftly filed appeals challenging both the garnishee order and the High Court’s refusal to grant a stay of execution.

On December 2, 2025, the Court of Appeal heard all three appeals and reserved judgment. Delivering its decision on February 10, 2026, the appellate court allowed the appeals in favour of the Adamawa State Government.

In addition, the court issued a consequential order remitting the case back to the FCT High Court for retrial.

With the appellate court’s decision setting aside the garnishee proceedings, the state has effectively been relieved of the immediate obligation to pay the $35.6 million judgment sum, or its naira equivalent, pending the outcome of the retrial.