By Ibrahim Babangida Lawal, North Journals
In a landmark ruling delivered yesterday at the Bwari Judicial Division of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Hon. Justice M. A. Madugu has declared the suspension of key executives of the Nigerian Fruits Sellers Association, FCT Abuja Branch, as unconstitutional, null and void.
The suit, filed by Ibrahim M. Talba, the Registered Trustees of the Nigerian Fruits Sellers Association, Yusuf Nadabo, and Sarki Hasan (the Claimants), challenged their suspension by the Gwagwalada Area Council and the subsequent installation of a caretaker committee comprising Alhaji Lararan Abubakar, Shafiu M. Yahaya, Nura Haruna, and Basiru Wali (the Defendants).
In the judgement, the court ruled that the 2nd and 3rd Claimants, alongside the entire elected executive council, remain the legitimate leaders of the association in the FCT, Abuja. The court further held that the Gwagwalada Area Council lacked the constitutional powers to suspend the elected executives or appoint a caretaker committee to run the association’s affairs.
Delivering his orders, Justice Madugu set aside the suspension and declared that the acts of the Area Council and the caretaker committee have no legal standing. The court also issued an injunction restraining the council, its officers, agents, or privies from interfering with the functions of the elected executives.
In addition, the caretaker committee members were barred from assuming or performing any duties meant for the association’s elected leadership.
The ruling reaffirms the authority of the Nigerian Fruits Sellers Association’s constitution and underscores the judiciary’s stance against illegal administrative interference in the affairs of registered associations.
The ruling was made on the 8th of July, 2025, bringing relief to the embattled executives and setting a precedent for other trade associations facing similar challenges within the FCT and beyond.
