A Minna High Court has issued a warrant of arrest against the directors of two hydroelectric power stations in Niger state for undermining hearing notice of the court served on them.
The presiding Judge of Court 2, Justice Abdullahi Mikailu, gave the order Wednesday in the criminal matter involving the directors of the power stations over debts owed the Niger State Internal Revenue Service.
Ruling on the application of counsel to the complainant, A I Lemu ( SAN), under section 252 of the Niger State Criminal Administration, Justice Mikailu said the defendants have unjustifiable reasons not to be in court after due hearing service on them and filing of Memorandum of Appearance.
Justice Mikailu said, “It is clear that the defendants are fully aware that this case is coming up today. I have to invoke section 252 of the Niger state criminal justice administration on the directors of the North South Power Company to ensure they appear in court at the next sitting.”
Speaking with journalists, A. I. Lemu, counsel to the applicant, the Niger State Internal Revenue Service, said the company and the directors were running away to delay the court proceedings, adding that, ” now that the court has graciously issued warrant of arrest on them, we will locate them wherever they are.”
He stated that the matter is the criminal aspect of the civil matter going on the Federal High Court II, Minna.
Blueprint reports that the case has been adjourned to June 10 for hearing.
