NAN-H-79
Disagreement
Abuja, Feb. 21, 2017 (NAN) The cross-examination of three police officers, who sued the Nigerian Police Force for alleged wrongful termination of their appointments at the National Industrial Court, Abuja was on Tuesday stalled over disagreement on hearing notice.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the police had sacked the plaintiffs for unauthorised handling of firearms.
The defendants are the Inspector-General of Police, and Commissioner of Police, Niger State Command.
At the resumed hearing, counsel to the plaintiffs, Mr Benjamin Adogu had informed the court that his clients were ready for the cross-examination.
However, counsel to the defendant, Mr Jude Akaeze objected to the move, adding that the defendant’s team had not distilled the case yet.
Akeaze said his clients had not been properly served notices of hearing in the suit, adding that the plaintiffs were trying to hasten justice administration.
He also said the defendants were unaware that the court had commenced hearing in the matter without other parties around.
He, therefore, prayed the court to adjourn the cross-examination to a further date to enable him regularise all his processes.
The counsel for the plaintiffs objected to the application, adding however, that such a gesture should attract a cost of N50, 000 if granted.
The judge, Justice Rakiya Haastrup, after considerations, and in the overall interest of justice, granted an adjournment at a further date to allow for regularisation of all processes.
The case has been adjourned till April 5 for further hearing. (NAN)
MUK/EEE
========
Edited by Ese E. Ekama