The Whistleblowers Network, a civil society group, has filed a suit against the Federal Government, the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), and others in a bid to stop a fresh $396.6 million payment to Senator Ned Nwoko and Linas International Ltd over the long-running Paris Club refund dispute.
The suit, filed at the Federal High Court in Abuja, seeks to restrain the government from disbursing the funds, which the group argues are based on questionable claims. The Network contends that the payout, if allowed, would further deplete public resources amid Nigeria’s current fiscal challenges.
Senator Nwoko, through his firm Linas International, has been a central figure in the Paris Club refund controversy. The refunds stem from overpayments made by Nigerian states on external loans serviced by the Federal Government. Over the years, consultants and contractors have laid claims to billions of dollars in fees, sparking a series of legal battles and public outcry.
In its application, the Whistleblowers Network alleges that the $396.6 million demand lacks transparency and contravenes existing court rulings. The group urged the court to block any payment pending a full review of the processes that led to the approval of the claims.
The Attorney-General of the Federation, along with the Ministry of Finance, is listed among the respondents. At press time, the government has yet to issue an official response.
Senator Nwoko has in the past defended his firm’s claims, insisting that the consultancy agreements were valid and duly executed. He argues that the fees were earned through legal services rendered in pursuing the refunds on behalf of Nigerian states.
The Paris Club refunds have been mired in controversy for years, with successive administrations facing criticism over the handling of consultant payments. In 2022, the federal government announced plans to halt further disbursements pending investigations, but disputes have persisted in the courts.
The current case by the Whistleblowers Network is expected to reignite debate about accountability, whistleblower protection, and the management of Nigeria’s public funds.
The matter has been scheduled for hearing in the coming weeks, with stakeholders closely watching how the court will rule on the fresh attempt to block payouts linked to the Paris Club refunds.
