The Enugu High Court has dismissed a fundamental rights suit filed by Chidi Kingsley Akabogu, a 300-level law student at the University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus (UNEC), challenging the Faculty of Law Examination Malpractice Committee.
In a judgment delivered on Thursday, August 21, 2025, Justice Kenneth Ikechukwu Okpe ruled that the case was without merit and premature, noting that universities have the legal authority to investigate and discipline students accused of academic misconduct.
Akabogu had sued the committee chairman, Dr. Clara Obi-Ochiabutor, and the Dean of the Faculty of Law, Prof. Festus O. Ukwueze, claiming his right to a fair hearing under Section 36 of the 1999 Constitution was being violated. He argued that he was not properly notified of the committee’s July 29, 2025 session and that a general WhatsApp message sent to multiple students undermined the fairness of the process.
Through his lawyer, Chidiebere Lucky Obodo, Akabogu asked the court to disqualify the committee and restrain it from conducting the hearing. The respondents, represented by D.A. Aneke, opposed the application, describing it as speculative and premature, since the disciplinary proceedings had not yet begun.
Justice Okpe dismissed the preliminary objection but ruled against Akabogu on the main issue. The court found no evidence of bias or denial of a fair hearing, noting that the WhatsApp notice was a general communication, not addressed to him personally.
The judge emphasized that universities have statutory powers to discipline students, as long as constitutional safeguards are observed. He cited precedents stating that even if exam malpractice has criminal implications, institutions are entitled to investigate and sanction misconduct internally.
The court also criticized a letter Akabogu sent to the dean seeking clarification, describing it as audacious and intended to obstruct the disciplinary process.
Justice Okpe ultimately dismissed the suit as premature and ordered Akabogu to pay ₦300,000 in costs to the respondents.
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