The Federal High Court in Abuja has rejected the bid by the five loyalists of Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers state to challenge the territorial jurisdiction of the court.
The five loyalists charged with terrorism offences by Police are Chime Eguma Ezebalike, Prince Lukman Oladele, Kenneth Goodluck Kpasa, Osiga Donald and Ochueja Thankgod
At the last sitting, Thursday, they sought the territorial jurisdiction of the Abuja Division of the Federal High Court on the ground that the alleged offences were committed in Rivers state.
However, the oral application was turned down by the court which insisted that being a court of record, all applications and motions must be brought before it in writing as required by law.
Justice Mobolaji Olajuwon rejected the oral application sought to be moved by counsel to the 1st and 2nd defendants, Lukman Fagbemi SAN.
At the proceedings, the Inspector General of Police (IGP) through his lawyer, Simon Lough, SAN, had sought to kick-start the trial of the defendants by calling his witness when Fagbemi cut in and attempted to proceed with oral application.
Justice Olajuwon, who was taken aback, rejected the move and advised the lawyer to come formally with any motion or application.
The judge said that the senior should be diligent in the conduct of proceedings in relation to the case of his clients.
Justice Olajuwon also turned down the request by the defendants to adjourn the case until their proposed application to challenge the territorial jurisdiction of the court is determined one way or the other.
