Contempt Charge: Ecobank to know fate January 15

Justice Mohammed Idris of the Federal High Court, Ikoyi, has set aside January 15, 2016 to rule on the contempt proceeding instituted by Honeywell Flours Mills and Others against Ecobank.

He made the pronouncement despite several applications by Ecobank’s counsel for adjournment of the hearing of the contempt proceeding against the bank.

When the suit between Honeywell Flour Mills and Others vs Ecobank came up in court on Monday, counsel to Ecobank, Kunle Ogunba, SAN, asked for further adjournment of the contempt proceedings pending hearing of the appeal against an earlier pronouncement by Justice Idris to the effect that the court had jurisdiction to hear the matter.

Counsel to Honeywell Flour Mills & Others, Wole Olanipekun, SAN, however, opposed Mr. Ogunba’s application, stating that as part of the protection of the majesty of the court, Justice Idris should not grant the application.

He argued that it was the same application Mr. Ogunba made on Friday, October 11, resulting in the adjournment of the matter till Monday.

After hearing from both parties, Justice Idris pronounced that “the court must uphold its integrity”.

It is not just desirable but important to hear the contempt proceedings, Justice Idris said.

“The court must give precedence to the contempt proceedings,” he said.

Justice Idris therefore ruled that he shall hear the contempt proceedings.

After the ruling, Mr. Ogunba again sought an adjournment for the hearing of the contempt proceedings.

The application was again denied by Justice Idris, who stated that justice must be done and questioned the basis upon which he should again adjourn the matter.