Tina Amanda
A Rivers State High Court sitting in Port Harcourt has adjourned hearing in the matter instituted by former Acting Managing Director of Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, Joy Nunieh, against the Nigeria Police, Inspector General of Police and the Department of State Service (DSS).
Other respondents in the matter are the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Godswill Akpabio and Niger Delta Development Commission.
During the court proceedings, the Applicant’s Counsel, Sylvester Adaka informed the court that the Nigeria Police and Inspector General of Police who are the 1st and 2nd Respondents in the matter have refused to acknowledge the originating process served to them.
He, however, sought the leave of court for motion ex-parte to serve the originating process by substituted means, which the court granted.
The presiding Judge, Justice Elsie Nwanwuri Thompson adjourned the case to 5th August for all parties to be properly served.
Speaking to our correspondent Tina Amanda, Counsel to Joy Nunieh, Sylvester Adaka said it was necessary for them to seek court order for substituted means of service.
“What happened is that we have not been able to serve Police the court process, because the Nigerian Police has refused to accept service. We came to court just for the court to give us an order to serve by substituted means which the court granted today, so we will serve them through substituted means, we have already served other parties”
Recall that the former Acting Managing Director of NDDC was rescued by Governor Nyesom Wike from being arrested by Officers of the Nigeria Police on the same day she was expected to appear before the National Assembly panel probing corruption in the commission.
She approached the court and secured an ex-parte order restraining the Police and other law enforcement agencies from arresting her.
