Abuja, April 18, 2023 – Justice Inyang Ekwo of an Abuja Federal High Court on Tuesday declined to hear an ex-parte motion brought by Sen. Aisha Dahiru-Ahmed, also called Binani, the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate in the Adamawa governorship election.
The judge, instead of hearing the motion, directed Binani’s counsel, Mohammed Sheriff, to address the court on the issue of jurisdiction before hearing the substantive motion.
Upon resumed hearing on the matter in Abuja on Tuesday, Afeez Matomi announced appearance for Gov. Ahmadu Fintiri, the third respondent.
Justice Ekwo then asked Matomi if he had been served.
The lawyer told the court that they had already filed a motion to counter Binani’s prayers though they were yet to be served.
He said they got wind of the ex-parte motion in the social media and decided to file a motion.
The judge, who declined to listen to Fintiri’s lawyer, said it was imperative for counsel to go by what the law says.
Ekwo then ordered Sheriff to proceed on addressing the court.
The lawyer said his ex-parte motion was filed on April 17 and that he was ready to move it.
The judge said though he was ready to hear Sheriff, the lawyer must address the court on issue of jurisdiction before he would proceed.
“I am ready too, but you have to address me on jurisdiction,” he said.
Ekwo held that the application would be taken together with the issue of jurisdiction on the next adjourned date.
He adjourned the case until April 26 for hearing and address on jurisdiction. (GBN)
