[EXTRA] Court Strikes Out SERAP’s Application For Injunction Restraining AIT, Channels And Arise TV From Paying Fine Imposed By NBC

The Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has struck out the Motions Exparte and on Notice filed by the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) against the Minister of Information and Culture and the National Broadcasting Commission(NBC).

The Motions sought an injunction restraining AIT, Channels and Arise TV from paying fine that was imposed by the NBC

Opeyemi Owolabi, counsel for SERAP, applied to withdraw the Motions on the basis that the fine had been paid by the AIT and others while the Motions were pending.

Hon Justice Evelyn Maha granted the application of the Plaintiff’s counsel and struck out the Motions and described them as ‘academic’ since the fines had been paid already

Terhemba Gbashima, Esq. appeared for the 1st and 2nd Defendants while Nelson Orji, Esq. appeared for the 3rd Defendant before , Court 10, FHC, Abuja.

Meanwhile, the Originating Summons (the main suit) dated 30th October, 2020 is still pending before the court

Plaintiffs were served with 1st and 2nd Defendants’ Counter- Affidavit dated 25th November, 2020 in Opposition to the Plaintiffs’ Originating Summons.

Plaintiffs’ Counsel sought an adjournment to file Written Address in Reply to the Notice of Preliminary Objection of the 1st and 2nd Respondents dated 25th November, 2020 and a Reply on Point of Law to Counter-Affidavit because according to the Plaintiffs, they were served on 25th November, 2020.

Justice Evelyn Maha adjourned the matter to March 10, 2021 for hearing of P.O and Originating Summons.