Suspension: Judge orders court documents served on Kingibe through National Assembly office

The Federal High Court in Abuja has approved an application allowing court processes in a suit involving Senator Ireti Kingibe to be served through substituted means.

Justice Peter Lifu granted the order on Thursday following an ex parte motion moved by counsel to the plaintiffs, B. A. Nenuwa. The court held that direct service on the senator had not been successful.

The suit was filed by the Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Wuse Ward, Okezuo Kanayo, and the ward secretary, Isaiah Samuel. Through their counsel, Maxwell Opara, they are challenging the senator’s status within the party and the validity of her continued membership after an alleged suspension.

With the ruling, the court authorised that all originating processes, motions, and related documents be delivered to Senator Kingibe through her legislative aides or secretary at her office within the National Assembly Complex in Abuja. The judge stated that such delivery would amount to proper and effective service.

Following the order, defence counsel Marshall Abubakar informed the court of his appearance for the senator and indicated readiness to obtain the relevant court documents. The court directed him to liaise with the plaintiffs’ legal team to facilitate service.

The matter was adjourned to 2 April for hearing.

According to court filings, the dispute stems from a claim by the Wuse Ward executive that Senator Kingibe engaged in conduct considered contrary to the party’s constitution, leading to her suspension. The plaintiffs are asking the court to affirm the authority of the ward executive to discipline members and to declare that the suspension remains valid. They also seek a determination that she cannot present herself as a member of the party while the suspension stands.