Legal Challenge To Remove Arabic Inscriptions From Naira Notes Thrown Out By Court

Legal Challenge To Remove Arabic Inscriptions From Naira Notes Thrown Out By Court....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Justice Yellin Bogoro has ruled against the lawsuit filed by Lagos-based lawyer Malcolm Omirhobo, who argued that the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) used Arabic inscriptions inappropriately…….. CONTINUE READING 

Omirhobo initiated the suit in 2020, contending that the presence of Arabic inscriptions on naira notes portrayed Nigeria as an Islamic state, contradicting its constitutional status as a secular nation. He expressed inability to comprehend the Arabic inscriptions and petitioned the court to direct the CBN to replace them with English or one of Nigeria’s main indigenous languages: Hausa, Yoruba, or Igbo.

His argument was based on alleged violations of sections 10 and 55 of the Nigerian Constitution, which uphold Nigeria’s secular character. Omirhobo sought a court order restraining the CBN from approving, printing, or issuing naira notes bearing Arabic inscriptions.

In response, the CBN filed a counter-affidavit asserting that the Arabic (Ajami) inscriptions on naira notes did not carry religious connotations or imply alignment with Arabian culture. The bank clarified that these inscriptions were originally introduced during the colonial era to aid non-Western educated individuals, particularly in regions where Arabic script was prevalent.

According to the CBN, the inclusion of Ajami inscriptions on naira notes since 1973, when the currency’s name changed from pounds to naira, was not indicative of Arabic being an official language in Nigeria. Removing these inscriptions, the CBN argued, would incur substantial costs for taxpayers and the government.

Justice Bogoro acknowledged Omirhobo’s legal standing to bring the suit but ruled that he failed to substantiate his claim that the CBN acted in bad faith by including Arabic inscriptions on naira notes. Consequently, the court dismissed the lawsuit.

While the suit was dismissed, Justice Bogoro reportedly suggested that the CBN consider removing Arabic inscriptions from ₦200, ₦500, and ₦1,000 notes, noting that they had already been excluded from ₦5, ₦10, ₦50, and ₦100 notes. The judge emphasized Nigeria’s status as a diverse, multi-ethnic, and multi-religious nation where no religion should be considered superior.

Omirhobo has also initiated a similar lawsuit against the Nigerian Army, seeking the removal of Arabic inscriptions from its logo. The Army, like the CBN, has opposed the suit and sought its dismissal.