Emmanuel Thomas l Monday, March 20, 2017
IKEJA, Lagos, Nigeria – Inability of the Lagos State Government to release funds to effect bench warrants on breach of law has stalled procedure in civil cases involving several Nigerians.
Justice Aishat Opesanwo could not proceed with cases involving Lagos State Vs Samson Ekpo, Lagos VS Uchenna Ebineyi, Lagos VS Lekan Badmus, Lagos VS Mercy Williams and Lagos. VS Dauda Mustapha, forcing the learned judge to adjourn the cases to 25/4/2017 after the Easter Break.
At today’s hearing, the Prosecutor, Mrs. B. O. Agboju told the court that arraignment of the defendants was not posible due to issues having to do with fund.
” My lord, the defendant is absence because the ministry has not released fund to effect the bench warrant”, she said in each of the affected defendants where she entered appearance.
In each of the cases, the judge was speechless as the prosecutor continued to appologise for inability of the state to effect the bench warrants compelling their appearance.
A bench warrant is an arrest warrant that is ordered by a judge against the defendant in a criminal case or a similar proceeding such as for a traffic ticket
