A Federal High Court in Abuja has declared that breaking or wasting the contents of alcoholic bottles is an act of economic sabotage. The ruling, delivered on May 20, 2024, but made public on August 16, 2024, stated that such actions are detrimental to the nation’s economy.
*Court’s Decision*
Justice Emeka Nwite ruled in favor of the applicant, Sesugh Akume, in a case against the Attorney-General and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). The court held that the Kano State Government’s practice of seizing, breaking, and pouring away alcoholic beverages constitutes economic sabotage, as it wastes Value Added Tax (VAT) revenue shared by the federal government, states, and local governments.
*Implications*
The judgment establishes that breaking bottles of alcoholic beverages and wasting their content is an act of economic sabotage, and it is the EFCC’s duty to investigate and prosecute such actions. The applicant, Sesugh Akume, praised his legal team for their efforts in pursuing the matter.
This ruling sets a precedent in Nigeria, emphasizing the need to prevent and investigate acts of economic sabotage, particularly those involving waste and destruction of taxable goods.
