Justice Inyang Ekwo of a Federal High Court , Abuja, has, threatened to strike out a suit filed by a former chief of army staff, Lt. Gen. Kenneth Minimah (rtd), and two others, challenging the propriety of a criminal charge instituted against them by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Other plaintiffs in the suit are former chief of accounts and budget of the Nigerian Army, Maj. Gen. A. O. Adetayo, as well as the former director, finance and accounts of the Nigerian Army, Brigadier Gen. R. I. Odi.
The EFCC had filed a criminal charge against the three former army chiefs over alleged diversion of N13 billion meant for procurement of arms.
During the proceedings yesterday, plaintiffs’ lawyer, Efut Okoi, recalled that on the last adjourned date, the court directed them to put their houses in order, assuring that they have done same, and are in the process of filing their statement of claims.
Okoi told the court that in the process of filing the statement of claims, one of the deponents was indisposed and that caused delay.
He said he pleaded with the defence counsel, and assured that by the next adjourned date, he must have completed the process and serve same on them.
Apparently not happy with the development, Justice Ekwo reminded the plaintiffs’ lawyer that the matter was filed in 2020, insisting they are “not serious” with the case.
Justice Ekwo however threatened to strike out the suit, if on the next adjourned date, the plaintiffs’ lawyer did not file and serve his processes on the defendants.
“If on the next adjourned date, you say you have just served them, or that you served them 7 days before, therefore you have not giving them sufficient time to reply, I will strike out this matter,” Justice Ekwo warned.
The court adjourned the case to March 23, for hearing.
Credit: Leadership