A Federal High Court in Gombe has directed the Gombe Geographic Information System (GOGIS) and its immediate past Director-General, Kabiru-Usman Hassan, to release public records connected with the redesign of the Shehu Abubakar District Layout.
The decision followed an application by Nafi’u Abubakar, who asked the agency for information about the procurement process and contract awarded for the layout project. The request sought records identifying interested companies and bidders, the successful contractor, the contract value, payment evidence, award and acceptance letters, and the project profile.
Justice Amina Mohammed held that the applicant had made a valid request under the Freedom of Information Act 2011 and that the respondents did not establish that they answered it within the statutory period. The court found that the failure to release the information, or provide lawful written reasons for withholding it, amounted to non-compliance with the Act.
The request was received by the respondents on 9 December 2025. The court concluded that evidence presented by the respondents did not prove that a response was served on Abubakar within the time allowed by law.
The agency and the former director-general were consequently ordered to supply the relevant records in their custody within 14 days of the judgment. If any requested material is unavailable or protected from disclosure, they must give the applicant written reasons identifying the legal basis for non-disclosure.
The suit was filed on 8 January 2026 by counsel to the applicant, M. U. Faruk, under provisions of the Freedom of Information Act dealing with access to public records, response obligations and judicial review. Musa Adamu Kumo represented the respondents.
Although the court upheld the applicant’s right of access, it declined claims for ₦100 million in general damages and ₦5 million as litigation costs. The judge said the access-to-information law is intended to advance transparency and accountability, rather than serve as a basis for punitive enrichment where no special injury or financial loss has been established.
The court instead awarded ₦200,000 in costs to the applicant. The ruling reinforces the obligation of public institutions to respond promptly to information requests and to explain any lawful refusal in writing.
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