Nigeria's Federal High Court has exclusive jurisdiction over federal matters including immigration, banking regulation, securities, admiralty, taxation, and enforcement of fundamental rights.
The Federal High Court is established under Section 249 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999. It has exclusive original jurisdiction over matters in which the Federal Government or its agencies are a party, and over specific subject matters defined in Section 251. Key areas of exclusive jurisdiction: revenue and taxation matters; banking and financial institutions regulation; immigration and naturalisation; admiralty; companies and insolvency; copyright, trademarks and patents; admiralty; and electoral matters (for federal offices). For individuals, the Federal High Court is the primary forum for: enforcement of fundamental rights (together with High Courts of States); challenging federal government action; immigration detention challenges; and banking and financial fraud matters involving federal agencies. The Federal High Court has divisions in all 36 state capitals and Abuja. Fundamental Rights Enforcement Procedure applications should be brought here or at the State High Court — whoever is convenient.
A Nigerian is detained by immigration authorities without due process. His lawyer files a Fundamental Rights Enforcement Procedure application at the Federal High Court in Lagos. The judge issues an order for his release within 48 hours.
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