N1bn prisons project: Interior Ministry, Prisons Service, yet to file defence

Barrister Okey Uzoho, lawyer to the plaintiff, told the trial judge, Mr. Justice Gabriel Kolawole, of the dire consequences if the defendants do not avail themselves of the opportunity to defend the suit.The court however held that it will grant the defendant an early adjournment date till December 17, for hearing in the case instead […]

Barrister Okey Uzoho, lawyer to the plaintiff, told the trial judge, Mr. Justice Gabriel Kolawole, of the dire consequences if the defendants do not avail themselves of the opportunity to defend the suit.
The court however held that it will grant the defendant an early adjournment date till December 17, for hearing in the case instead of proceeding to deliver judgment in the case.
 The plaintiff, Jeph Nigeria Ltd is seeking to sanction the Prisons  Service for  allegedly re-awarding the contract earlier awarded it in 1983 for construction of 80 bed medium security prison, observation tower, double-wall fencing, and access road in Nnewi, Anambra State.
Others joined as defendants in the suit include the Comptroller General of Prisons, the Minister of Works and the Attorney General of the Federation.
Counsel to the plaintiff Barrister Okey Uzoho during a chat with Daily Trust yesterday said that his client was worried because the defendants are continuing with the same thing they (plaintiff) was asking the court to stop. Following the failure of the defence to reply to the summons, Justice Gabriel Kolawole yesterday ordered counsel to Jeph Ltd, Mr Okey Uzoho to bring an application to assign date for hearing.
The applicant is further praying the court to reverse the alleged breach of the terms of the contract, which it claims is 50 per cent completed at the value of N1 billion.
Further hearing in the matter has been fixed for December  17, 2013.