By Ada Williams
Federal High Court in Abuja today has dismissed a case of fundamental rights enforcement suit filed by fleeing Binance Holdings Ltd’s executive, Nadeem Anjarwalla, against the National Security Adviser and EFCC. Justice Inyang Ekwo, in a ruling, dismissed the suit for lack of diligent prosecution. It was observed that, no lawyer appeared for Anjarwalla when the case was called and neither was the applicant was in court.
Justice Ekwo in his ruling noted that on March 28 when the matter came up, Tonye Krukrubo, SAN, who appeared for Anjarwalla sought a leave to withdraw his appearance in the matter and the application was granted. He said the matter was adjourned till today for mention but no lawyer appeared for the applicant. Justice Ekwo then fixed July 9 for hearing of Gambaryan’s suit.
The judge fixed the date after Gambaryan’s lawyer, Krukrubo, moved a motion seeking to amend originating process. Although EFCC’s lawyer, Olarewanju Adeola, opposed the motion, the judge held that parties, by law, were entitled to amend their processes before judgment.
However, Gambaryan was fined a N50, 000 cost in favour of the EFCC, having joined issues in the matter. Justice Ekwo, who held that the fine must be paid before the next adjourned date, fixed July 9 for hearing of the preliminary objection and the substantive matter.
