A Federal High Court sitting in Jos has invited, for oral evidence, the Registrar of the University of Jos, Jilli Dandam, over a certificate forgery suit filed by an APC aspirant in the last general election, Hon. Abdul Nasir Saleh against the present member representing Jos North/North in the Plateau State House of Assembly, Hon. Ibrahim Baba Hassan.

At the last sitting, the counsel to the defendant, Solomon Umoh (SAN) in his preliminary objection had asked the court to dismiss the case on the ground that there were conflicting evidences surrounding the allegation levelled against his client and had become contentious, adding that the court had no jurisdiction to hear the case.

Also, in the previous sitting, Umoh objected to the motion on the originating summon on the ground that the content of the case is criminal in nature and there was no need for oral evidence raised by the counsel to the plaintiff, David Ibeawuchi who said that since there were conflicting evidences on the matter, the university should be invited to give oral evidence. However, at the resuming hearing, the presiding judge, Justice Musa Kuya, ruled out Umoh’s objections, saying the suit is curable and for there to be substantial justice in the case, an oral evidence be given on the conflicting evidences presented before him.

Kurya further ruled that he had the jurisdiction to hear the case, emphasising that the whole issue would be resolved when oral evidence is given. While ruling on oral evidence, the judge had asked the two counsels to prepare their individual statements of claims on the matter before the next sitting. The case has been adjourned till October 11, 2016 for hearing.