Monday 24th June, 2019 was greeted with a lot of hope for electricity users in the ongoing suit instituted in public interest against the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC), Nigeria Electricity Regulatory Commission and the Minister of Power by the former Kogi West Senatorial Candidate of ADC in the just concluded 2019 General election, Omoluabi Bode Adeyemi (OBA) at the Federal High Court, Lokoja.
Omoluabi had approached the court against the backdrop of illegal sales of prepaid meters, wrongful estimated billing and several other infractions as contained in the process. The litigant is seeking an order of the court for all electricity users to be given the Prepaid meter free of charge as contained in the extant laws, a compensation of seven billion naira in total sum as the illegal money collected from poor and unsuspecting electricity consumers since the regime of AEDC commenced.
While hearing a preliminary objection filed by the defendants asking the court to strike out the case, the trial judge describes the preliminary objections as stale and attempt to delay the prosecution of the case. He further said that the rule of the Supreme Court forbids the attempt, arguing further, the defendant lawyer said that such PO is recognized pursuant to acceptable legal practice, the trial judge however ruled that the objections be made to be part of the statement of defense to the substantive suit.
Trial judge frowned at any attempt to delay the
matter and warned counsels on deliberate delay tactics, that he is fully ready to adjudicate over the matter.
However the counsel to the Minister of Power was absent, the applicant, Omoluabi Bode Adeyemi and his legal team were present in the court. The matter has been adjourned for defense.
While addressing the press, the applicant in the matter, Omoluabi Bode Adeyemi says that there is no sacrifice that is too much to fight for the people, he vowed to pursue the case to its logical end, in the interest of the people. He expressed confidence in the ability and courage of the judge to deliver justice in public interest and assure that his legal team is doing all things possible to come out victorious
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