A human rights activist, Bolaji Akinyemi, has filed a lawsuit against President Bola Tinubu over the extension of the tenure of Bashir Adeniyi as Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS).

The suit, filed at the Federal High Court in Lagos on 29 July, also lists the Attorney-General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi; Minister of Finance, Wale Edun; Nigeria Customs Service; the NCS Governing Board; the Office of the Comptroller General of Customs; and Mr Adeniyi himself as respondents.

Mr Akinyemi is challenging the legality of President Tinubu’s approval of a one-year extension for Mr. Adeniyi, whose tenure is scheduled to end on 31 August 2025. The suit was filed under the Fundamental Rights (Enforcement Procedure) Rules, 2009, citing provisions of the Nigerian Constitution and the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023.

Speaking in Enugu on Tuesday, counsel to the plaintiff, Ayodele Ademiluyi of Newworth LLP, said the court would determine whether the President has the authority under Section 14(1) of the NCS Act to extend the tenure of a comptroller general who has already proceeded on terminal leave.

Mr. Ademiluyi said the plaintiff seeks a declaration that any extension or continued stay in office by Mr. Adeniyi beyond his exit date is unlawful. The suit also asks the court to restrain both the President and Mr. Adeniyi from carrying out or accepting any such extension.

“This suit underscores a growing concern over the abuse of executive powers in the appointment and tenure elongation of key public office holders, often at the expense of the Constitution, institutional integrity, and the public interest,” Mr. Ademiluyi said.

He added, “This is not just about one office holder – it is about preserving legality, transparency, and accountability in the governance of our nation.”

In April, media reports suggested plans by the Presidency to extend the tenures of several senior Customs officials, including Mr. Adeniyi. A statement attributed to the State House at the time indicated the extension had been approved, but the NCS spokesperson, Abdullahi Maiwada, dismissed the report as “false and misleading.”

However, on Thursday, presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga confirmed the one-year extension, stating that the move would allow Mr. Adeniyi to “consolidate ongoing reforms and complete critical initiatives” of the administration.