A High Court sitting in Lokoja has restrained the Federal Government from going ahead with the planned concessioning of Ajaokuta Steel Company Limited, and the National Iron Ore Mining Company, Itakpe, both located in Kogi State, North-Central Nigeria.
Kogi State Chief Judge, Justice Josiah Majebi, who presided over the matter, granted the exparte order retraining the President Muhammadu Buhari led Federal Government in a suit filed by State Attorney-General on behalf of the Government and people.
Lead counsel to the State Government, Mohammed Abdullahi, SAN, in the application, sought the court’s order of interim injunction restraining the Federal Government and their agents, officials, or representatives from proceeding with the proposed concession of the two companies.
The order also restrains the defendants from carrying out any of the itemised functions or activities as contained in the Daily Trust publication of Friday, April 21, 2023 including virtual pre-qualification conference or interview slated for May 4, 2023 pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice.
Justice Majebi, who granted the interim injunction, said it was appropriate and necessary to prevent a situation of irreparable damage to the applicant, pending the determination of the motion on notice.
The defendants in the matter are the Attorney-General of the Federation, Federal Ministry of Mines and Steel Development, Bureau of Public Enterprised, Ajaokuta Steel Company Limited and the National Iron Ore Mining Company.
The motion on notice has been scheduled for hearing on May 4, 2023.
On Thursday, youth groups in the host communities of the two companies called on Governor Yahaya Bello, and the National Assembly to urgently rise against the planned concessioning of the companies which they see as an act against the interest of the people of Kogi State