An FCT High Court Apo, Monday dismissed a suit alleging that Governor Mohammed Bindow of Adamawa, submitted forged certificates to the Independent National Electoral Commission, (INEC) for lack of territorial jurisdiction.
In the same vein, a High Court in Minna, Niger state also dismissed a forgery suit against Governor Abubakar Sani Bello. The court ruled that there was no evidence that Governor Sani Bello presented a forged certificate as alleged.
In Abuja, Justice Olukayode Adeniyi, held that the court lacked the jurisdiction to hear the case against Bindow on the grounds that the suit originated from Adamawa state and ought to have being filed in the state and not FCT.
A non-governmental organisation, under the aegis of Incorporated Trustees of Kingdom Human Rights Foundation International, tendered documents before the court to substantiate its claim that the defendant who is a flag-bearer of the All Progressive Congress (APC), falsely declared his educational qualification and date of birth.
The plaintiff alleged that the governor supplied false information in the Form CF 001 he tendered to INEC, by purporting to have sat for the West African Examination Council (WAEC), in June, 1983.
The claimant is also seeking the disqualification of Bindow from participating in the 2019 governorship election.
In Minna, ruling on preliminary objection by the defendant, the court presided over by Justice A.B Aliyu held that the plaintiff failed to establish that Sani Bello presented forged document to the independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The PDP had approached the court claiming that the governor and his Deputy, Ahmed Ketso of APC have presented some forged documents to the INEC
Justice A.B Aliyu upheld the objections of the defendants that the suit having being filed outside 14 days run foul of Section 285 (9) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended).
