The Digest:
The Federal High Court in Lagos has dismissed a suit seeking to scrap the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) and the Nigerian Christian Pilgrims Commission (NCPC). Presiding Judge Akintayo Aluko ruled that the plaintiff failed to substantiate claims that the commissions breached constitutional provisions on state religion and discrimination, a verdict that preserves a long-standing, though often debated, pillar of Nigeria’s religious policy.
Key Points:
- The Federal High Court in Lagos dismissed a suit challenging the constitutionality of NAHCON and NCPC.
- The suit was filed by Human Rights and Empowerment Project Ltd/Gte.
- The plaintiff argued the commissions violated constitutional sections on state religion and discrimination.
- The court found the applicant’s evidence, largely based on newspaper reports, insufficient and hearsay.
- NAHCON’s counsel argued that pilgrims fund themselves through state boards, not direct federal sponsorship.
- The judge noted the case relied on speculative media reports, not credible legal proof.
- No order for costs was issued; each party bears its own expenses.
Sources: The Cable, The Nation
