The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has failed in its attempt to dismiss a Freedom of Information (FOI) suit requesting details of demonetised coins. The Court of Appeal in Abuja ruled in favour of Lawyers Network Against Corruption Ltd/GTE, a public interest organisation that sought judicial review of records related to the demonetisation and distribution of coins between 2017 and 2020.
In its decision, a three-man panel overturned a Federal High Court ruling that had dismissed the case on procedural grounds. The panel ruled that the applicant does not require prior leave to request judicial review under the FOI Act.
The Lawyers Network Against Corruption, represented by Mr. Ezenwa Adumnu, sought records of total demonetized coins as of March 17, 2017, and July 8, 2020. The group also requested details on the distribution or disposal of the coins, citing a public invitation by the CBN in 2016 regarding their sale.

Adumnu argued that the FOI Act requires the CBN to provide the requested information within seven days, a requirement the bank allegedly ignored. The lawyer further stated that the trial court erred by dismissing the initial suit without considering the substantive issues.
In defence, CBN’s counsel, Emeka Etiaba SAN, argued that the appellant had not followed proper legal procedures, describing the suit as an abuse of process. He contended that the failure to seek prior leave rendered the appeal baseless and called for its dismissal.
Justice Abang, delivering the lead judgment, dismissed the CBN’s arguments, stating that the FOI Act does not impose any requirement for prior leave before initiating a judicial review. He noted that imposing such a condition would contravene the statute’s purpose of facilitating transparency and accountability.
Justice Abang concluded that the Federal High Court had erred in striking out the case, stating, “I find merit in this appeal, and the same is allowed. I also set aside the decision of the trial court.” The matter was referred to the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court for reassignment to a new judge.
The destruction of demonetised or unfit currency is overseen by the CBN under the CBN Act of 2007. The Act mandates the destruction of withdrawn or unfit banknotes and coins. For example, in 2020, the CBN reportedly destroyed ₦698.48 million worth of unfit banknotes.