Court asked to order Reps to issue arrest warrant against NILDS DG for shunning summons
Legislative Lawyers Seek Arrest Warrant for NILDS Director General
ABUJA — Lawyers representing the Incorporated Trustees of the Association of Legislative Drafting and Advocacy Practitioners (ALDRAP) have petitioned the Federal High Court in Abuja to compel the House of Representatives to issue an arrest warrant for Professor Abubakar Olanrewaju Suleiman, the Director General of the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS). This action follows allegations that Suleiman participated in the governorship primary of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kwara State while still holding his position.
The lawyers claim Suleiman failed to respond to a summons from the House committee investigating his conduct. Named as respondents in the lawsuit are House Speaker Femi Gbajabiamila and Yusuf Galambi, Chairman of the House Committee on Legislative Library, Research and Documentation.
The suit requests a writ of mandamus, urging the court to direct the respondents to execute their powers under Sections 88 and 89 of the 1999 Constitution and the 2023 House of Representatives Standing Orders. The plaintiffs contend that these powers include the authority to issue a warrant for Suleiman’s arrest due to his noncompliance with the lawmakers’ summons issued on June 18, 2026.
The case further asserts that the House possesses constitutional rights to compel attendance and compliance with lawful summons. The plaintiffs are seeking a court declaration affirming this authority, as well as a mandate for the respondents to adhere strictly to relevant constitutional provisions and the Legislative Houses (Powers and Privileges) Act regarding non-compliance with summons.
In explaining their position, the plaintiffs, through attorney J. J. Lamy, Esq., stated that Suleiman’s failure to appear at the House Committee meeting on the stipulated date warranted the legal action. They referenced Sections 88 and 89 of the 1999 Constitution along with Order 19 of the House Standing Orders to substantiate their claims.
Earlier this year, ALDRAP had also moved to have the court declare Suleiman’s office as vacant, citing his participation in the APC primary without resignation—a requirement outlined by President Bola Tinubu in accordance with the Electoral Act. They argued that Suleiman should have stepped down by March 31, 2026, following his announcement to contest in the elections.
The association’s lawsuit also sought to hold the Senate President and the House Speaker accountable for not appointing an acting director for NILDS after Suleiman’s involvement in the primary, claiming this oversight violated statutory obligations.
In support of their claims, ALDRAP has presented evidence of Suleiman’s participation in the APC gubernatorial primary during an investigative hearing. This evidence includes a letter dated June 19, 2026, addressed to the National Chairman of the APC requesting documentation of Suleiman’s membership and participation in the primary, as well as related queries from the NILDS Governing Council.
The case highlights ongoing tensions regarding adherence to electoral regulations and the responsibilities of government officials.
