From Godwin Tsa, Abuja
Proceedings in the trial of Prof. Obiajulu Obikeze and four others have been shifted to October 6, 2022, by the Abuja division of the Federal High Court.
Justice Inyang Ekwo fixed the date for a report on the takeover of the matter by the office of the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF).
The decision was informed by a complaint by counsel for the AGF, Joe Agi, SAN, that he was yet to get the file in respect of the matter.
Prof. Obikeze, Dr Raymond Ofor, Chief Israel Ezue, Sir Amobi Nwafor and Okafor Bethram IK, who are first to fifth defendants, respectively, are being prosecuted over allegations bordering on forgery of chieftaincy documents.
The Federal Republic of Nigeria, through the Inspector-General of Police, was the earlier complainant before the AGF took over the suit.
Agi had, on June 10, informed that he had been authorised by the AGF to take over the matter from the police and asked for an adjournment to enable him to study the case.
Justice Ekwo then fixed yesterday to enable the AGF chamber to review the suit and report back to the court.
Upon resumed hearing, Agi also informed the court that though the matter was slated for report, pursuant to the fiat giving to him, he was still pursuing the case file. He said he was in the process of getting the file. The lawyer then applied for another date to enable him get the file.
The defence counsel, Kelvin Nwufo, SAN, did not oppose the application.
However, the senior lawyer said he had a preliminary objection challenging the jurisdiction of the court on the matter.
The judge consequently adjourned the matter until October 6 for report.