A Upper Area Court in Takum, Taraba State, has issued an order restraining Mr. Ademola Adesokan and ten other individuals from presenting themselves as executives of the National Cashew Association of Nigeria (NCAN). The court's directive also prohibits the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment from recognizing or engaging with these individuals in their purported capacities.
Court Proceedings and Legal Basis
The order was granted following an application dated May 6, 2026, filed under Section 6(6)(a) of the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria (as amended), Order V of the court's rules, and the court's inherent jurisdiction. The application, presented by G.A. Lot Esq., counsel for the plaintiff, sought an interim injunction to stop the first eleven respondents from exercising NCAN powers and duties, and to bar the twelfth respondent (the ministry) from dealing with them, pending a motion on notice.
After hearing counsel's submissions and reviewing an 18-paragraph affidavit with attached exhibits B, C, and D, the court granted the interim injunction. It restrained the first eleven respondents, their agents, and privies from holding themselves out as NCAN executives or performing any association duties until the motion on notice is determined. Additionally, the twelfth respondent and its agents were prohibited from recognizing or dealing with the first eleven respondents during this period.
Background: Expulsion and Internal Disputes
The court action follows earlier internal conflicts within NCAN. During the association's 2026 Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Abuja, a communiqué signed by National President Dr. Ojo Joseph Ajanaku, National Secretary Engr. Unekwuojo Augustine Edime, Board of Trustees Chairman Mr. Sunday Uzoechi, and BoT Secretary Mr. Abraham Adesina announced the expulsion of Mr. Ademola Adesokan. The expulsion was based on allegations of impersonation and other activities deemed contrary to NCAN's constitution.
Furthermore, the Ajanaku-led NCAN convened a stakeholders' engagement and Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM), during which the suspension of Board of Trustees Chairman Irezondu Sunny Stevenson and BoT Secretary Abraham Adesina was announced. Their conduct was referred to the disciplinary committee for further investigation.
The court's order effectively halts the activities of the disputed group until the legal process unfolds, highlighting ongoing governance challenges within the cashew association.
