Sum-Pyem Stool: Court Orders N2.3bn Damages Against Plateau Govt

Plateau State High Court, has ordered judgement security in the sum of N2.3 billion against the state government, the attorney-general and commissioner for justice, the Mangu local government area and Charles Mato Dakat in favour of one Ibrahim Hudu Manomi.

Justice S.P. Gang made the order pursuant to a motion ex-parte, No. PLD/J/473m/2022, filed in the matter of contravention of section 287 and matter of enforcement of the judgement of the Supreme Court pursuant to section 287 (1), (2) and (3), of the Nigeria Constitution, respectively.

The plaintiff (Manomi) had challenged his non-installation as the selected Sum-pyem of Pyem Chiefdom in Gindiri, in Mangu local government area since 2004.

Manomi had averred that despite securing judgement of the supreme court which affirmed his valid selection, the state and local governments were yet to comply.

Justice Gang held that, “An interim order of the Court granting the plaintiff/applicant Judgement Security in the sum of N2,337,546,657:29, against the 1st, 2nd, 3rd and/or 4th defendants/respondents being the current value of entitlements and remuneration due to the plaintiff/applicant from the year 2004 when he was selected Sum-Pyem of Pyem chiefdom in Gindiri, Mangu LGA of Plateau State.

The judge further directed the deputy sheriff of the court to file an affidavit compliance by the four defendants, evidencing the payment and supporting exhibits of certified true copies of the judgement security of the N2.3 billion, in current value based on exchange rates variations between 2004 to 2022, when his selection was affirmed by the supreme court.

Similarly, the court has issued form 48, cautioning the four defendants about the, ‘consequences of disobedience,’ against its orders on the judgment security, which shall be deposited at the United Bank of Africa, maintained in the name of the deputy sheriff of the Plateau State high court.

“Be further informed forthwith that should you fail, refuse and/or neglect to immediately comply with the orders of the honourable court, you will be guilty of contempt of court and will be liable to be committed to Nigerian Correctional Service,” it said.