Court Slams N.5m Cost Against A. B Mahmoud, SAN As Defence Continues In Gadzama’s Case Challenging The Outcome Of The 2016 Nigerian Bar Association

The matter instituted by Chief Joe-Kyari Gadzama SAN which is pending before Hon. Justice O.A. Adeniyi of Court 19, FCT High Court sitting in Apo came up for continuation of defence today, Friday, 8th June, 2018. Chief S.T. Hon, SAN & J.N. Eqwuonwu, SAN led the plaintiff’s legal team. N.A. Idakwo, Esq. led a team of lawyers on behalf of the 1st defendant. Alex Akoja, Esq. led a team of lawyers on behalf of the 2nd to 6th defendants. The 7th defendant was not represented in court despite Counsel being present at the last adjourned date. N.I. Nta, Esq. and O. Okanna, Esq. appeared on behalf of the 8th defendant. Samuel Audu, Esq. led a team of lawyers on behalf of the 9th defendant. After appearances, the matter commenced with the 2nd to 6th defendants’ witness, Mr. Oluwaseun Ajoba, who doubles as the 3rd defendant. Examination-in- chief was concluded and the witness was cross-examined. Chief S.T. Hon conducted an extensive cross-examination on behalf of the plaintiff. The 7th defendant (Grace Infotech) was scheduled to open their defence but there was no legal representation in court. The 8th defendant informed the court that he did not intend to call any witness in this case. The 9th defendant’s Counsel on his part informed the court that although his witness was in court, he would be applying for a short date because the original of the document he wishes to tender through the witness was not available at the time. The court heard arguments from both sides as to the adjournment. The Court ruled and held that the 9th defendant was attempting to delay proceedings and did not show any respect to the court or to proceedings. Cost of N.5 Million naira, simply means 500,000k was awarded to the plaintiff to be paid by the 9th defendant (A. B. Mahmoud, SAN) The adjournment was nevertheless granted. The matter was further set down to 22nd and 25th June, 2018 for continuation of defence.]]>