Ned NwonkoCivil group seeks injunction to halt controversial settlement, demands $19.83m reward for exposing alleged fraud
The George Uboh Whistleblowers Network (GUWN) has filed a suit before the Federal High Court in Abuja to stop the Federal Government from paying $396.6 million to Senator Ned Nwoko and his company, Linas International Limited, about the disputed Paris and London Club refunds.
In an originating summons dated August 20, 2024, GUWN listed as defendants: the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), Lateef Fagbemi (SAN); the Federal Ministry of Finance Incorporated; the Honourable Minister of Finance; Linas International Limited; Senator Ned Nwoko; and the Incorporated Trustees of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF).
The group is seeking six substantive reliefs, including a declaration that the payment was unlawful, unjustified, and in violation of due process. It further asked the court to permanently restrain the Federal Government and its officials from releasing the money to Nwoko or Linas under any guise.
At the center of the controversy is a November 25, 2024, letter from the AGF to President Bola Tinubu recommending approval for the payout, citing court judgments and a “no objection” letter from the NGF dated July 2, 2024. According to Fagbemi, the NGF had settled with Nwoko/Linas and agreed to withdraw all pending litigation on the matter.
The AGF also referenced several EFCC investigation reports (2018–2024), which, he argued, consistently affirmed that Nwoko and his firm were the “only genuine consultants validly engaged by states and local governments” in processing the refunds.
GUWN, however, insists the claims are fraudulent. In a July 16, 2024, petition to the AGF, the group alleged that Nwoko and Linas had already received $350 million in July 2018 as a “full and final settlement” under the Buhari administration. “Coming back in 2025 during this present administration to claim $396,615,107.19 is blatant and unadulterated fraud,” GUWN argued.
The group also warned that it would head to court if the AGF failed to rescind his recommendation. Citing Nigeria’s whistleblower policy, GUWN is demanding 5% of the disputed sum $19.83 million as a reward for preventing what it describes as an unjustified payout.
In addition to restraining the Federal Government from paying Nwoko, GUWN is asking the court to:
Nullify the AGF’s November 25, 2024, letter to the president and the NGF’s July 2, 2024, “no objection” letter.
Declare that Nwoko and Linas are not entitled to any further payment regarding the Paris and London Club refunds.
Compel the Federal Government to pay GUWN $19.83 million as a whistleblower reward.
The Paris Club refund controversy, which stems from alleged over-deductions on foreign loan repayments by Nigerian states, has long been mired in litigation, conflicting presidential directives, and allegations of fraud. Despite repeated settlements and investigations, fresh claims and approvals continue to resurface, fueling disputes between consultants, state governments, and federal authorities. The matter has yet to be assigned to a judge, while the defendants have 30 days from the date of service to enter their appearance.
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