Ibesikpo Asutan Council Accused of Demanding N500,000 Before Releasing Public Records
Ibesikpo Asutan Local Government Area has been accused of demanding N500,000 as a production fee before releasing public records requested under Nigeria’s Freedom of Information Act, according to court documents filed at the Federal High Court in Uyo.
The allegation forms part of a broader legal action instituted by lawyers Akaninyene Archibong and Edidiong Ebong against the 31 local government councils in Akwa Ibom State over what they describe as refusal to disclose public records.
The applicants are seeking judicial orders compelling the councils to release documents relating to public spending, subsidy programmes, policy guidelines, licences and approvals issued from November 2024 to date.
In the suit before the Federal High Court, the lawyers specifically challenged the N500,000 demand allegedly made by Ibesikpo Asutan, alongside Esit Eket Local Government Area and Udung Uko Local Government Area, describing the fees as arbitrary, excessive and contrary to provisions of the Freedom of Information Act.
Justice M. A. Onyetenu had earlier granted the applicants leave to commence judicial review proceedings against the councils, with the matter adjourned to 30 June for hearing.
The lawyers are also seeking statutory penalties against the councils for alleged wrongful denial of access to information, as well as orders compelling the release of the requested records in electronic format.
Speaking after the ruling, Mr Archibong alleged that they had faced threats and intimidation since initiating the process, but insisted they would continue pursuing transparency and accountability at the local government level.
