The hearing of a fundamental rights suit filed by Dr. Rabiu Kwankwaso and seven others was stalled on Tuesday due to the inability of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to file necessary processes. The EFCC’s counsel, Idris Ibrahim-Haruna, requested an adjournment to file responses, citing service in Abuja and apologizing for the inconvenience.
Robert Hon, counsel for the applicants, opposed the adjournment request, arguing that the EFCC had ample time to file their responses since being served on June 10. He urged the court to proceed with the hearing, noting that the EFCC was out of time.
Justice Yusuf Ubale directed the EFCC counsel to file their responses and adjourned the matter to October 24 for a definite hearing. The court had previously granted an interim order on June 10, preventing the EFCC from arresting Kwankwaso and the other applicants, who include the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), Dr. Ajuji Ahmed, Dipo Olayanku, Ahmed Balewa, Chief Clement Anele, Folashade Aliu, and Buba Galadima.