By Vivian Okejeme
Abuja
Chief Judge of a High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Justice Ishaq Bello, yesterday ordered the federal government to serve on the senator representing Bauchi Central Senatorial District, Isah Misau, charges it preferred on him.
The federal government had dragged Misua before the court on a five-count charge on injurious falsehood against Inspector-General of Police and the Nigeria Police Force.
Justice Bello gave the order after listening to the submission of the prosecution counsel, Hadi Saleh.
The court had earlier noted that the defendant is yet to be served with the process.
Prosecuting counsel, however, informed the court that he wants to apply for a court summons on the defendant.
Justice Bello asked for particulars on the effort they made to show that the defendant deliberately refused to accept service, which had warranted application for summons.
He stressed the need to stop the culture of arresting people to compel them to come to court.
The judge maintained that unless the prosecution comes back with particulars to show they invited the defendant and he refused, then the court would decide whether or not to issue a warrant of arrest or summon.
He advised the prosecution not to start with hostility, but to do the needful.
Justice Bello later fixed October 19, for parties to come back.
The IGP is alleging that one Senator Isa Misau, while raising matter of urgent national importance between September and October, 2017, accused him of mounting road blocks across the country with the purpose of extorting unsuspecting motorists.
He also stated that the said senator in the motion also accused him of collecting illegal fees by way of security protections given to corporate organisations, eminent citizens and oil companies running into billions of naira.
Idris also stated that Misau accused him of having “unwholesome relationship with female officers in the Force.”
Misau is accused of forging false documents comprising affidavits and declaration of age he deposed to at the Bauchi state health management board birth certificate and FCT High Court.
The senator is also accused of making false statements that police officers pay N2.5 million to get special promotion and posting and also claiming that N10 billion was being received by Idris from oil companies and banks.
The offences are said to be contrary to section (1) (2)(c) of the miscellaneous offences Act Cap M17, laws of the federation of Nigeria, 2004 and punishable under the same section of the Act.
