Court sets to reopen Kashamu’s extradition suit

Justice Chukwujekwu Aneke of a Federal High Court in Lagos on Friday fixed June 6 for hearing of the suit by Senator Kashamu Buruji seeking to prevent his extradition to the US over a case bothering on alleged drug peddling.

In a suit marked FHC/L/CS/930/2018, Kashamu, a Senator representing Ogun East Senatorial District at the National Assembly is joining the Inspector General of Police, Commissioner of Police Lagos Police Command, Director General State Security Service, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency NDLEA, and the Attorney General of the Federation as respondents.

In the suit, the senator was praying the court to prevent the respondents from arresting or detaining him, in any manner whatsoever, or interfering with his right to personal liberty and freedom of movement.

Justice Chukwujekwu Aneke had since honoured arguments in the suit from the parties after which the court had reserved judgment until April 29.

On April 29, the judgment could not be held owing to the fact that the date fell on Easter vacation. And it was postponed until May 10.

On May 10, Mr Ichakpa Oigoga, was the only counsel who appeared on the side of the defence and proclaimed appearance for the NDLEA.

The court had then asked him if he was aware of a letter written by the applicant seeking to reopen trial, and he told the court that he was not aware.

Justice Aneke had then asked the registrar to show him a copy of the letter, adding that since a letter had already been presented, the court had a duty to hear parties.

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After reading the letter, Oigoga informed the court that defence would file its counter affidavit in opposition. The Court had consequently, adjourned the case for hearing.

At the resumed hearing of the case, Kashamu’s lawyer, Mrs Ifeoma Esom, informed the court of plaintiffs’ motion seeking to reopen hearing in the suit.

She told the court that the application was based on the discovery of new facts which she said would assist the court in doing justice in the suit.

In response, NDLEA counsel. Mr J.N Sunday agreed to the service of the application and informed the court that he had already filed its response.