It said the court lacked jurisdiction to adjudicate on the issue as it bordered on taxation. The state said only the Lagos State High Court has jurisdiction to adjudicate issues relating to taxation of businesses operating in the state. Arguing a preliminary objection, state counsel Mr O. K. Akerele said Lagos reserved the right to tax lottery and gaming businesses. “The suit as presently constituted is outside the jurisdictional issues my lord can entertain. We urge my lord to strike out the matter,” he said. The plaintiff, Mobile Lottery Nigeria Limited, is praying the court to hold that the state lacks powers to regulate lottery operations. Its counsel Mark Anata said only the Federal Government through the National Lottery Commission can register and regulate lottery businesses. Anata said despite being issued an operating license by the Federal Government through the commission, officials of the Lagos State Government had been obstructing its operations through various demands on the basis of the Lagos State Lottery Law of 2004. The plaintiff is, therefore, challenging the state’s powers to enact laws on lottery regulation, adding that such matters are covered by Item 62 (A) of the Exclusive Legislative List of the 1999 Constitution. According to Anata, the court has jurisdiction to entertain the suit since it involves a federal agency. Replying on points of law, Akerele said state High Courts were not precluded from interpreting constitutional issues. Justice Babs Kuewumi adjourned till January 30 next year for ruling.]]>

Follow Our WhatsApp Channel ______________________________________________________________________________________________________

[A MUST HAVE] Evidence Act Demystified With Recent And Contemporary Cases And Materials

“Evidence Act: Complete Annotation” by renowned legal experts Sanni & Etti.

Available now for NGN 40,000 at ASC Publications, 10, Boyle Street, Onikan, Lagos. Beside High Court, TBS. Email publications@ayindesanni.com or WhatsApp +2347056667384. Purchase Link: https://paystack.com/buy/evidence-act-complete-annotation

______________________________________________________________________ “Enhance Legal Practice With Authoritative Reports” — Alexander Payne Offers Comprehensive Law Reports, Spanning Over A Century Of Nigerian Jurisprudence

Interested buyers are encouraged to place their orders and enquiries via: 0704 444 4777, 0704 444 4999, 0818 199 9888 Website: www.alexandernigeria.com

______________________________________________________________________