Court: Shuaib opposes NIPSS move to seize hostel key in SEC 47 case

Founder of PRNigeria, Yushau Shuaib, has urged the Federal High Court in Abuja to dismiss an application by the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies, NIPSS, seeking to compel him to surrender the key to his hostel accommodation while his suit against the institute is still pending.

In a counter-affidavit filed in response to NIPSS’s motion, Shuaib described the request as baseless, frivolous, and prejudicial, arguing that it touches directly on issues already before the court in his substantive suit challenging his withdrawal from the Senior Executive Course, SEC, 47.

Mr Shuaib, the plaintiff in suit FHC/ABJ/CS/1329/2025, maintained that the institute’s application was an attempt to obtain “unmerited relief through the back door” and could amount to pre-judging the case at an interlocutory stage.

According to him, the sum of ₦18.3 million he paid for the course covered accommodation for the entire duration, and the hostel suite was allocated on that basis.

He argued that his participation in the programme had not been lawfully terminated, noting that the legality of his suspension and withdrawal remains a central issue for determination by the court.

“The question whether my suspension… has rightly terminated my participation and my right to retain the use of facilities, including the accommodation, are issues for the substantive suit,” he stated.

Mr Shuaib further alleged that he had already been denied access to the accommodation, even as his personal belongings—including electronics, documents, and other valuables—remain in the room without adequate safeguards.

Allegations of Bad Faith

The PRNigeria publisher accused NIPSS of acting in bad faith, insisting that granting the application would create the impression that his withdrawal was valid and his rights extinguished.

He also contended that the relief sought by the institute amounts to a final order, which cannot be granted at an interlocutory stage without full hearing of the substantive case.

“The defendant is attempting to use an interlocutory application to achieve what it cannot lawfully obtain without a final judgment,” he argued.

Mr Shuaib maintained that the balance of convenience favours maintaining the status quo, noting that the institute would suffer no harm if the accommodation remains undisturbed, while he risks loss of property and prejudice to his case.

Background of the Suit

The dispute stems from Mr Shuaib’s withdrawal from SEC 47, which he claims was unlawful and based on unsubstantiated allegations less than three months into the programme.

Filed through his counsel, Yunus Abdulsalam, SAN, the suit seeks: Reinstatement into SEC 47 with full rights and privileges; ₦1 billion in general and aggravated damages for alleged emotional and reputational harm and ₦100 million as litigation costs

A perpetual injunction restraining NIPSS from further harassment or intimidation

He also challenged the institute’s alleged access to his private email, describing it as a violation of his constitutional right to privacy under Section 37 of the 1999 Constitution.

Justice Binta Fatima Nyako has fixed May 6, 2026, for hearing of the matter.

The outcome of the case is expected to address not only Shuaib’s status in the SEC 47 programme but also broader questions relating to due process, contractual obligations, and  data privacy within public institutions.