EFCC’s inability to file processes stalls hearing in Kwankwaso’s suit

The inability of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to file processes stalled the hearing in a fundamental rights suit filed by former Kano State governor, Rabiu Kwankwaso and seven others at the State High Court on Tuesday.

The other applicants are the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Dr. Ajuji Ahmed, Dipo Olayanku, Ahmed Balewa, Chief Clement Anele, Folashade Aliu, and Buba Galadima.

Justice Yusuf Ubale had on June 10 restrained the EFCC from arresting the applicants for alleged fraud.

When the matter came up for hearing, the EFCC counsel, Mr. Idris Ibrahim-Haruna, told the court he was not ready and sought an adjournment to enable him to file responses.

He said: “My lord service was effected in Abuja. We are very sorry for the inconvenience and seek another date to enable us to file our responses.”

READ ALSO: NNPP faction accuses Kwankwaso of N2bn fraud, petitions EFCC

On his part, the applicants’ counsel, Mr. Robert Hon, told the court that he was ready to proceed with the hearing.

He urged the court to dismiss the application by the EFCC counsel for an adjournment.

“My lord we served the respondent with all the court processes on June 10, and by the rules of this court they have five days to file their responses.

“The respondent is out of time. It is more than 30 days. My lord this is a fundamental rights suit,” Hon said.

He urged the court to adjourn the case for a definite hearing.

The judge ordered the EFCC counsel to file his responses and adjourned the matter till October 24 for a definite hearing.

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