A Federal High Court in Lagos on Tuesday further adjourned judgment in the suit filed by a former Minister of Aviation, Ms. Stella Oduah, seeking the enforcement of her fundamental rights for February 17.
The judgment which was earlier fixed for yesterday, could not be delivered as the trial judge, Justice Okon Abang, informed parties in the suit that the verdict was not ready due to workload.
He said February 17 was still in order, adding the 90 days stipulation for delivery of judgment had not elapsed.
Justice Abang had on December 1, 2015, adjourned the case for judgment, after counsel representing parties adopted their written addresses before the court.
The applicant had filed the suit in August, 2015, seeking enforcement of her fundamental rights as guaranteed under the constitution.
Joined as respondents in the suit are: The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and the Inspector General of Police.
On August 26, 2015, during the court’s vacation, the vacation judge, Justice Mohammed Yunusa had issued an order of interim injunction, restraining the defendants from taking any action pending the final determination of the suit.
In the suit, the applicant is seeking an order, restraining the respondents from probing her over the purchase of two armoured BMW by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) under her watch in 2013.
The applicant averred that the respondents had planned to unleash repression on her, and try her on trumped up charges.
She is urging the court to restrain the defendants from persecuting and humiliating her, under the guise of an anti-graft war.
Meanwhile, the AGF and EFCC had in a counter affidavit, urged the court to dismiss the applicant’s suit for lack of merit.
They described the applicant’s claims as baseless and speculative, arguing that the claims could not be justified.
Adopting final his addresses, counsel to the applicant, Mr. Ajibola Oluyede, urged the court to grant the prayers of the applicant.
Meanwhile, counsel from the office of the AGF, Mr. Tijani Gazali, while adopting his address, reminded the court of respondent’s counter affidavit in opposition to the suit.
He had urged the court to dismiss the applicant’s suit for lack of merit.
THISDAY LIVE
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