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Lawyers and witnesses after the court ruling
By Akpan David, Calabar
Presiding Judge, Justice E. A. Obile of the Federal High Court, Port Harcourt has awarded cost of N1.1m against former members of Brotherhood of the Cross and Star (BCS) in a civil suit against registered trustees of BCS.
In their application in suit number FHC/HC/165/2019, the plaintiffs had also
challenged the authority of the spiritual Organization, BCS, for having control over two of their worship centres, called Ogunabali and Akpajo Bethels in Rivers State.
While delivering his ruling on the Motion on Notice, Justice Obile frowned seriously at the attitudes of the renegade pastors and apostles who had brought BCS to court, stating clearly his displeasure of struggle for positions in the church.
He meticulously appraised the contentions of counsel representing both Plaintiffs and Defendants in the mentioned suit.
He reinstated his earlier order that the Plaintiffs were not diligent in prosecuting the matter which reason he ordered that for the matter to be relisted, the payment of N1.1 Million be made to the Defendants which BCS Registered Trustees is the 1st Defendant as punitive measure against the renegade pastors and apostles.
The court further ordered that all parties in dispute are restrained from gaining access or taking possession of both the Ogunabali and Akpajo Bethels in Rivers State.
Lawyers representing the BCS led by Messrs C. U. Amadike included Justice O. Ahiakwo, G. E. Akpelu, Opeami Barango-Tariah, Benjamin Jiji and Princess Nwajoku applauded the ruling as unbiased and fair.
Witnesses for BCS in Rivers State, including the Rivers State Administrator, Christ Ambassador Soki Wokoma as well as His Grace, Archbishop Jonathan Aggo had also commended the ruling of Justice Obile.
However, counsel for the plaintiffs Essien A. Essien Esq. informed the court that there was a pending motion on Notice, praying the order of court to grant an interim injunction against the Defendants from entering other worship centres of the renegade pastors.
In reaction, Justice Obile insisted that until the sum of N1.1 Million is paid to the Defendants by the Plaintiffs, the Plaintiffs motion will not be heard.
As it looks, the option of going on appeal over the ruling may not be ruled out since they appeared not satisfied with Justice Obile’s ruling.
The case was adjourned to 9th August, 2021.
Meanwhile, in another case initiated by one Bishop Orlando against the BCS Registered Trustees at Federal High Court, Calabar was also mentioned.
The crux of the matter is his desire for the appointment of additional board of Trustees as well as the amendment of the Memorandum of BCS.
The matter came up for the first time before the Judge who ordered that the Plaintiff must ensure that Hearing Notice is served on the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) on or before the adjourned date of 19th October, 2021.
The lawyers who represented BCS are Dafe Diegbe Esq. and Justice. O. Ahiakwo Esq.
