Benue :Court fixes September 26 to hear suit challenging executive order

A Benue State High Court presided over by Justice Theresa Igoche has fixed September 26, 2024, to hear the suit challenging the executive order in Benue State.

A Human Rights activist, Mr. Adebayo Ogorry, and others had dragged the Benue State Government, the Governor of Benue State and the Attorney General and Commissioner of Justice and Public Order to court, arguing that the law severely infringed on fundamental rights of citizens.

Governor Hyacinth Alia had in February signed the executive order banning public gatherings and holding of all forms of events, including wakes, ceremonies and religious occasions beyond the hour of 10 pm, as well as prohibiting several other activities.

When the matter came up on Monday, Terna Agerzua who held the brief of Mohammed Ndarani, as counsel to the Benue State Governor and Benue State Government, drew the attention of the court to his motion for extension of time to file his memorandum of appearance and defense to the suit for Governor of Benue State and Benue State Government.

Jones Okwe who appeared for the Attorney General and Commissioner of Justice and Public Order, Benue State, also moved his application for extension of time to regularise his processes.

The Presiding Judge, Justice Theresa Igoche granted both applications.

Joseph Ogizi, who held the brief of Abdul Mohammed, for plaintiffs informed the court that though the matter was fixed for hearing, the defendants in the suit served on him processes the day before, and shortly before sitting.

He asked the court for a short adjournment to enable him to file his response to the processes served on him.

After listening to the submission of Ogizi, Justice Theresa Igoche adjourned the matter until September 26 for definite hearing.