Court Adjourns Niger’s Suit Demanding N138bn From Power Firm

The Federal High Court II sitting in Minna has adjourned the case between Niger State government and Federal Ministry of Power and others over payment of ground rent to May 22, 2024.

Justice Mohammed Aminu Dan Ige of the Federal High Court 2 sitting in Minna adjourned hearing in the suit filed by the Niger State Internal Revenue Service (NGSIRS) against the ministry.

The Nigerian Electricity Liability Management Company, Mainstream Energy Solutions Company Ltd and North-South Power Company Ltd were joined as defendants.

Justice Dan Ige who ordered for the adjournment after hearing the matter, ruled that the it was to enable both counsels to prepare the necessary applications for the case.

When the matter came up for  hearing,  the counsel to the first and second defendants; Barrister Abdulmalik Usman Dauda, filed a Motion on Notice challenging the jurisdiction of the court to which counsel to the NGSIRS, Aliyu Ibrahim Lemu  (SAN) requested for time to reply the motion on point of law.

Consequently, Justice Ige adjourned the case for continuation of hearing on the motion before the commencement of the substantive case to which both counsels collectively agreed.

Speaking with journalists after the court sitting, Aliyu Ibrahim Lemu (SAN) stated that the court had to commence full hearing on the next adjourned date no matter the delay tactics by the legal teams of the defendants.

Barrister Abdulmalik Usman Dauda, counsel to the defendants, said they were in court to challenge its Jurisdiction over the case  through the Motion on Notice filed at the court.

He stated that the Federal High Court is a court of enumerated jurisdiction as provided by Section 251 of the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria as amended.