FROM SAMSON ALFA, MINNA
No date has been fix on a case between a radio station in Minna, Badeggi FM and Niger State government as the government is foot dragging on the out-of-court settlement.
It would be recalled that the Counsel to the respondent, Jacob Johnson Usman, SAN, had on Monday, August 25, 2025 at the first mention of the case informed Justice Mohammed Mohammed, a vacation Judge of Minna High Court 4, that the Niger State government has opted for an out-of-court settlement.
At the resumed hearing yesterday on the case number NSHC/M/0296/2025, which was filed on August 5, 2025 the Senior Advocates announced that there is a move for out-of-court settlement at the instance of the government.
He further informed the court that he had earlier informed the counsel to plaintiffs, Barrister Philip Emmanuel about his discussion with the governor and the Attorney General of the State for an out-of-court settlement which they agreed.
He disclosed that both counsel agreed that the matter be resolved in the best interest of the state and the court was notified.
“Here in the court, we have rescheduled September 3, 2025 to report back on out-of-court settlement”and Jacob Johnson Usman had earlier told Journalists.
However, on today’s date to brief the Court of our agreement on out-of-court settlement, Counsel to the plaintiff informed the court that the government is no longer part of the settlement”.
“My lord, it’s unfortunate that the out-of- court settlement as requested in the last sitting has failed” Barrister Philip Emmanuel told the court”.
However the court was notified that the out-of-court will still be exploited through another means to resolve the matter amicably.
The Presiding Judge, Justice Mohammed Mohammed held that if the out-of-court settlement has failed, the case file will now be transfered back to the Chief Judge to re-assign the case.
” As you know I’m a Vacation Judge,. the Vacation will resume by next week. I Will now be on vacation the Chief Judge will either re-assign the case as the case maybe”,Justice Mohammed Mohammed stated.
The Judge adjourned the case until the Chief Judge decide on the next line of action.
