By Chimezie Godfrey
The Federal Capital Territory High Court has dismissed in its entirety a ₦7.1 billion suit filed by logistics firm FHT Mega Express Limited against Parallex Bank Limited, ruling that the case constituted a gross abuse of court process.
In a judgment delivered on April 20, 2026, the court upheld the preliminary objection raised by the bank, effectively terminating the case and awarding costs of ₦500,000 against FHT Mega Express in favour of Parallex Bank.
The dispute had escalated after FHT Mega Express obtained an ex parte order freezing funds belonging to the bank with the Central Bank of Nigeria up to the sum of ₦7.1 billion.
However, Parallex Bank challenged the order, arguing that the suit was duplicative and abusive, especially as there was already a pending case it had instituted against the logistics firm before the Federal High Court in Lagos to recover an alleged debt of ₦4.5 billion.
The bank contended that the Abuja suit was part of a pattern of forum shopping, noting that FHT Mega Express had earlier initiated a similar case in Lagos before withdrawing it and filing a fresh action in Abuja with nearly identical claims.
In its ruling, the FCT High Court agreed with the bank’s position, holding that the conduct of FHT Mega Express amounted to bad faith and a clear abuse of judicial process.
The court emphasised that litigants must not engage in multiple suits across jurisdictions in a bid to secure favourable outcomes, describing such actions as inimical to the administration of justice.
According to court filings, Parallex Bank had also alleged that the logistics firm concealed critical facts, including the existence of the earlier Federal High Court suit and a subsisting order directing parties to maintain the status quo.
Legal analysts say the ruling reinforces judicial intolerance for multiplicity of suits and forum shopping, particularly in high-value commercial disputes.
Sources close to the bank described the judgment as “a triumph for due process, transparency, and the rule of law,” adding that it strengthens confidence in the judicial system.
The decision is expected to clear the way for Parallex Bank to continue its efforts to recover the alleged outstanding debt while safeguarding its financial and reputational interests.
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