The inability of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to file processes before a Kano High Court has stalled hearing in the ongoing fundamental rights suit of the leader of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso and seven others.
Reports stated that the applicants in the suit are the NNPP, Dr Ajuji Ahmed, Dipo Olayanku, Ahmed Balewa, Chief Clement Anele, Lady Folshade Aliu, Eng. Buba Galadima and Sen. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso. The EFCC is the respondent in the case.
When the matter came up for hearing on Tuesday, counsel for the applicants, Robert Hon, told the court that they were ready to proceed with the hearing.
“My lord, the respondent by rules of this court have five days to file their response, it is more than 30 days now. They are out of time. We served the respondent on the 10th of June with all the applications in their legal department. My lord, this is a fundamental right suit with a special procedure.”
Hon urged the court to descontenance the respondent application seeking an adjournment for not giving a genuine reason for failing to file their response.
He therefore urged the court to adjourn the case for definite hearing.
The respondent counsel, Idris Ibrahim Haruna, sought an adjournment to enable them file their responses for fair hearing.
“Service was effected in Abuja, we are we are very sorry for the inconveniences and applied for another day to enable us file our responses,” he said.
The presiding judge, Justice Yusuf Ubale Muhammad, adjourned the case to October 24, 2024 for definite hearing.
News reported that the court had issued an order restraining the EFCC from infringing, intimidating, arresting or harassing the applicants until the determination of the motion on notice.