Judge cautions lawyer over unnecessary request for adjournment

Justice Edith Agbakoba of the National Industrial Court, Abuja,
has frowned at the actions of a lawyer, Ms Chipiefe Oduran, which
led to unwarranted adjournment of a suit slated for definite
hearing.

The lawyer filed a motion for extension of time on the same day
set for hearing of the case.

Oduran, counsel to one Anthony Opaluwa, had instituted a suit
against Arewa Hotels Development Limited since 2014.

The judge cautioned the counsel against act intended to cause
unnecessary delay in the dispensation of justice, noting that
filing a motion that morning was unfair.

The judge said that the intentional act amounted to prolonging
the case and wasting the time of the court.

The hotel’s lawyer, Mr Ogbonna Nwanya, also registered his
displeasure, noting that he was not opposed to the adjournment, but
should be granted N50, 000 cost.

Oduran apologised severally to the judge, after which
proceedings continued.
The judge adjourned the case until Sept. 19 for hearing.

Justice Edith Agbakoba of the National Industrial Court, Abuja,
has frowned at the actions of a lawyer, Ms Chipiefe Oduran, which
led to unwarranted adjournment of a suit slated for definite
hearing.

The lawyer filed a motion for extension of time on the same day
set for hearing of the case.

Oduran, counsel to one Anthony Opaluwa, had instituted a suit
against Arewa Hotels Development Limited since 2014.

The judge cautioned the counsel against act intended to cause
unnecessary delay in the dispensation of justice, noting that
filing a motion that morning was unfair.

The judge said that the intentional act amounted to prolonging
the case and wasting the time of the court.

The hotel’s lawyer, Mr Ogbonna Nwanya, also registered his
displeasure, noting that he was not opposed to the adjournment, but
should be granted N50, 000 cost.

Oduran apologised severally to the judge, after which
proceedings continued.
The judge adjourned the case until Sept. 19 for hearing.