… the case was adjourned to 7th September 2022.
Justice Nehizina Afolabi, a trial judge of Federal High Court in Lafia the Nasarawa state capital did not show up in court for continuation of suit against Architect Tukur Shehu, the senatorial candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) representing Nasarawa West Senatorial Zone in the state.
Speaking to Journalists shortly after the adjournment, the lead counsel to Labaran Magaji, the plaintiff, Ahmed Raji SAN, said they appeared in court for continuation of their client’s case only to be told that the presiding Judge could not make it to the court.
He stated that the case was adjourned to 7th September 2022.
According to Ahmed Raji, ” We did not feel disappointed because it is normal in court cases.”
Also speaking another Counsel to the plaintiff, Johnson Jacob, said their client Mr Labaran Magaji had a good case and they were optimistic that things will go his way.
He also stated that the absence of the trial judge was a normal thing in litigations and will not in any way jeopardize their case.
Johnson, also explained that Labaran Magaji is their class mate way back at the Nigerian Law School and they have decided to offer free service to him in court to show solidarity with their colleagues.
According to him,” We are multiple lawyers of his class who came from various states in solidarity for Labaran Magaji the plaintiff Jacob,” said
Also speaking, counsel to the defendant Dr. Mubarak Adekilekun said the absence of trail judge was a normal thing that can happen in litigation and was taken in good faith.
Recall that APC aspirant , Mr Labaran Magaji approached Federal High court Lafia to challenge alleged irregularities during the APC Primary Election in Nasarawa West conducted recently where Tukur Shehu was announced winner of the election.
Our Correspondent in Lafia, the Nasarawa State Capital gathered that no official statement was given as to why the judge could not appear in court.