Synagogue: Proceedings Stalled By Lagos State’s Failure To Serve Processes

Proceedings in the ongoing trial of the Registered Trustees of the Synagogue, Church of All Nations and its contractors was today stalled by the failure of the Lagos State Director of Public Prosecution, Mrs Idowu Alakija, to serve processes in response to the applications earlier filed by the defendants.

It would be recalled that Justice Lawal Akapo of the Lagos State High Court, Ikeja Division, had slated Tuesday, March 22nd, 2016 for the hearing of the applications filed by the defendants.

Lateef Fagbemi and E.L Akpofure, both Senior Advocates of Nigeria, Counsel to the 1st and 2nd Defendants respectively, drew the attention of the court to the fact that they were not served with the prosecutor’s response.

Counsel to the 4th Defendant, Olelekan Ojo, Esq also submitted that he was not served with the processes by the DPP. He maintained that as far as today’s proceedings were concerned, he was in the same boat with Counsel to the 1st and 2nd Defendants.

Reacting to their submission, the Lagos State Director of Public Prosecution pleaded for time to enable her serve the defendants accordingly.

After considering their submissions, the presiding judge, Justice Lawal Akapo, agreed with the defendants’ counsel and therefore directed that the Lagos State DPP should serve all interested parties before the close of business.

Based on the foregoing, the judge adjourned the case to April 8, 2016 for argument.

Nosa Osazuwa, a writer from Lagos, attended the court proceedings