A Federal High Court in Lagos on Friday fixed April 14 for judgment in the suit filed by Sun Publishing Ltd and former Gov. Orji Uzor Kalu of Abia against Chinedu, son of Abia Gov. Theodore Orji.
The governor’s son is standing trial for alleged harassment and invasion of the Sun’s office on April 28, 2014.
Justice Mohammed Idris fixed the date after all the parties had adopted their court processes.
Other respondents in the suit include Attorney General of Abia State, the Inspector General of Police (IGP), and the Commissioner of Police, Abia
The respondents had filed a preliminary objection challenging the jurisdiction of the court to hear the suit.
At the resumed hearing on Friday, counsel to the applicant, Chief Charles Enwelunta, urged the court to grant all the reliefs sought by the applicant.
He submitted that the court was vested with the adjudicative jurisdiction to hear the suit for the fact that the cause of action bordered on the enforcement of the right of expression by the press.
Enwelunta added that perusal of the claims and reliefs sought by the applicants would convince the court that it was empowered to adjudicate on it.
In their reaction, the respondents prayed the court to dismiss the suit for lack of jurisdiction and also award cost against the applicants.
The applicants are seeking a declaration that Sun Publishing has a constitutional right to publish news, opinions, commentaries and or editorials to the reading public.
That it cannot be unlawfully harassed, intimidated or persecuted by the respondents or their agents or the Government of Abia State presently led by Chief T. A. Orji.
