The Benue State High Court sitting in Makurdi has declined a motion seeking an investigation of the Court Registry. The decision was made on Wednesday, with the court subsequently fixing the 30th of October 2024 for the hearing of all other applications and the substantive suit.
The motion, brought forward by the All Progressives Congress (APC), sought an order from the court to investigate the alleged appearance of Counsel’s signature on the Originating Motion No. MHC/1587M/2024. Additionally, the APC requested a stay of proceedings pending the outcome of the proposed inquiry.
However, Justice Kume, while ruling on the motion, held that the determination of the instant motion would prejudice the pending Preliminary objection to the competence of the suit, which bears similar grounds and effect.
During the proceedings, the legal team representing Austin Agada, the Benue State Chairman of APS, was led by F.A Nomor, who appeared alongside several other lawyers. The team requested an adjournment to examine the processes that were served on them in Court.
S.D. Swem Esq, holding the brief for Matthew Burkaa SAN, and Basil Hemba Esq, holding the brief for Dikko, SAN, did not oppose the ruling.
The decision by the Benue State High Court to decline the motion for investigation has garnered attention from legal experts and political observers alike. The outcome of the substantive suit, scheduled for hearing on the 30th of October 2024.