Publisher loses N1bn suit against NIPSS, heads to Appeal Court

The Federal High Court in Abuja has dismissed a N1 billion lawsuit brought by Yushau Shuaib, founder of PRNigeria, against the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS). Shuaib had sued NIPSS after his withdrawal from the institute's Senior Executive Course 47.

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NIPSS acted within its disciplinary powers in withdrawing Shuaib from the programme after finding that he breached the institute’s confidentiality rules.

Delivering the judgment, Justice Binta Nyako stated that NIPSS acted within its disciplinary authority when it withdrew Shuaib from the program. The court found that Shuaib had breached the institute's confidentiality rules, citing his issuance of an apology on behalf of PRNigeria for a publication deemed offensive by NIPSS as an admission of wrongdoing. Justice Nyako also ruled that Shuaib received a fair hearing before the disciplinary committee prior to the action taken.

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the publisher was afforded a fair hearing, having appeared before the institute’s disciplinary committee to respond to the allegations before disciplinary action was taken.

The court further held that Shuaib was bound by the oath of secrecy and confidentiality he took upon admission to the course, obligating him to adhere to NIPSS rules throughout the program. Shuaib had filed the suit in July 2025, seeking declarations that his withdrawal was unlawful and unconstitutional, and claiming N1 billion in damages for emotional trauma and reputational injury, along with N100 million for litigation costs.

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While I respect the judgment of the Federal High Court, I firmly believe there are substantial constitutional and legal issues that deserve appellate review. In the interest of justice, fairness and the protection of fundamental rights, we shall be approaching the Court of Appeal without delay

Dissatisfied with the ruling, Shuaib announced his intention to appeal at the Court of Appeal. He contends that the court failed to differentiate between his personal actions and the editorial independence of PRNigeria, asserting that he had relinquished day-to-day management of the organization before commencing the course. Shuaib argued he could not be held personally liable for publications made by an independent media entity he did not author or edit during his time at NIPSS. He also criticized the court for not ruling on his allegation that NIPSS unlawfully accessed his private emails, which he believes violated his right to privacy.

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he could not lawfully be held personally liable for publications produced by an independent media organisation which he neither authored nor edited while participating in the course.