COURT ADJOURNS KASAMU’S EXTRADITION SUIT

The counsel representing the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Puis Gande, in his own submission told the court that the case was transferred from Justice Ahmed Mohammed to the new court, adding that the Attorney General of the Federation was not notified of the transfer and was not issued with hearing notice.

Penpushing further reports that, the Judge, Justice Okon  Abang, who had adjourned the case for the third time, cross-checked the record of proceedings and discovered that the Attorney General of the Federation  was not notified of the transfer of the case to him.

The judge also observed that the hearing notice was not issued to the Attorney General of the Federation, and thereafter, held that hearing notice is a fundamental issue as it borders on fair hearing, and subsequently adjourned the matter to June 27 for hearing.

Penpushing also reports that, Justice Abang pointed out that no court of law will proceed with any matter until all the parties had been duly served with a hearing notice, stressing that any court that proceeds without hearing notice to parties is embarking on a nullity.

”It is clear that the AGF is not served with the hearing notice and this condition cannot be waived by any party because its absence will render preceding a nullity. As for me, I don’t want to work in vain. AGF must be served with hearing notice for this matter to proceed as required by law and there must be a proof of service’.

Penpushing reports that, John Olusola , lawyer representing  Kashamu  had wanted the matter to proceed in the absence of the Attorney General of the Federation, but  the court rejected the move and instead opted for an adjournment.

It is recalled that, Kashamu immediate former Senator representing Ogun State under the banner of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP),was expelled from the party  in the run-up to the general election, had sued the  Attorney General of the Federation   and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency(NDLEA) for the enforcement of his fundamental rights.

Penpushing reports that, Kashamu is praying the court to stop the two respondents from extraditing him to the United States of America (USA) where he is wanted for drug-related offences, and has repeatedly claimed he is innocent and has resisted moves to extradite him.

Meanwhile, the Appeal court in May last year ruled against Kashamu, signifying a possibility he could be arrested before extradition commences.