By Israel Adamu
The Plateau State High Court has adjourned proceedings in the suit challenging the June 9 judgment recognising some Hausa residents as indigenes of Jos North Local Government Area until October 29, 2026, following a dispute over the legal representation of the respondents.
Justice C. Donglong fixed the date to rule on a preliminary objection challenging the appearance of a new legal team for the judgment creditors before hearing applications seeking to set aside the judgment.The June 9 judgment was delivered after Jos North Local Government Council did not enter an appearance when the case was heard. The council is now asking the court to vacate the judgment.
At Friday’s proceedings, counsel to the local government and the indigenous ethnic groups, Chief Garba Pwul (SAN), argued that the respondents’ new lawyers had not complied with the Plateau State High Court Rules governing a change of legal representation.
According to Pwul, Order 52 of the court rules requires a formal notice before new counsel can take over a matter. He urged residents to remain calm and allow the judicial process to continue.Counsel to the Berom ethnic group, Edward Pwajok (SAN), said the Berom, Afizere and Anaguta communities had filed separate applications seeking to join the case and have the judgment set aside.
Responding, counsel to the judgment creditors, Yakubu H. (SAN), maintained that the respondents were constitutionally entitled to engage legal practitioners of their choice. Another counsel, Idris Mubakar, said his clients were satisfied to allow the court to determine the matter in accordance with the law.
