The Federal High Court, Abuja, has fixed June 25 for the arraignment of two supermarkets and two pharmacies charged for hiking prices of key hygiene products such as hand sanitizers and face masks.
When the matter was called up on Wednesday, the prosecution counsel, Babatunde Irukere, told the court that the matter was for arraignment and that they were ready for the matter as scheduled but counsel to the first and second defendants, H-Medix and Sandra Ejekwe, Abubakar Mohammed, told the court that the second defendant could not appear in court as she was not served with the court notice.
In a separate matter of similar offense involving Bakan Gizo Pharmacy and Store, Ray Opia and Luter Irene, the defense counsel, Festus Okpe, informed the court that the second defendant, who has been in Lagos since January was restricted from appearing in court due to the ban on interstate travel.
Other defendants in the matter, Prince Ebeano Super Market and David Chukwuma sent an E-mail to the court explaining their reasons for being absent.
Chukwuma blamed his inability to appear in court on interstate movement restriction by the Federal Government due to COVID-19.
Read Also: Federal High Court orders Orji Kalu’s release from jail
The presiding judge, Justice Nkonye Maha earlier raised the issue of jurisdiction, stressing that the matter ought to have been taken to the tribunal.
Justice Maha, however, settled down to hear the matter and adjourned the matter till June 25.
She, however, ordered that all parties to the matter be served with notices to ensure they are all in court on the next adjourned date.
(Editor: Nkoli Omhoudu)
