The Federal High Court in Abuja on Monday, July 6, 2026, ordered the National Welfare Secretary of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Nkemakolam Ukandu, to pay ₦100 million in costs after striking out his suit against the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice John Tsoho, and Justice Peter Lifu.
Justice Salim Ibrahim directed Ukandu to pay ₦50 million each to the two judges within 14 days after granting an oral application by their counsel.
The court struck out the suit for want of diligent prosecution, holding that neither Ukandu nor his lawyer had appeared since the case was reassigned to Justice Ibrahim.
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At the previous hearing on Tuesday, June 30, 2026, the judge warned that the matter would be struck out if the plaintiff again failed to appear.
When the case was called on Monday, July 6, 2026, there was no appearance for the plaintiff, prompting the court to dismiss the action and award costs against him.
Ukandu had sued the National Judicial Council (NJC), Justice Tsoho and Justice Lifu, alleging bias, abuse of judicial authority, corruption and failure to obey a court order. He sought an order directing the NJC to investigate the allegations.
The case is linked to the leadership dispute within the ADC and a separate suit involving party member Nafiu-Bala Gombe, which is pending before Justice Lifu.