The pre-election suit questioning the academic certificate of Edo state Governor, Godwin Obaseki, suffered an adjournment on Thursday following the sudden illness of Justice Ahmed Mohammed of the Abuja division of the Federal High Court.
This happened as the constitutional time frame of 180 days for pre-election case regarding the matter lapse in thirteen days’ time.
The alleged Certificate forgery suit was filed against Governor Obaseki by the All Progressive Congress (APC) and its chieftain, Williams Edobor on July 13.
The matter was adjourned for Thursday for the cross examination of the plaintiff’s witness, Raphael Onwuzululigbo, a retired police officer, who claimed to be a forensic expert, proceedings could not continue due the Justice Mohammed’s illness.
The matter which was originally fixed for 12pm did not commence till about 2 Pm when the judge walked in.
But apologizing for the delay, Justice Mohammed explained that he had “severe malaria attack” and would not be able to proceed with a full trial of the case.
Responding on behalf of lawyers to the case, lead counsel to the plaintiff’s and a former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister for Justice, Chief Akin Olujimi (SAN), empathized with the judge stressing that his health is most paramount and important to all.
Consequently after legal fireworks from both counsels, Justice Mohammed adjourned the matter till Monday, January 4.
