In the originating summon, the duo prayed the court for an order directing all the defendants to supply them with the CTC of Ukpo’s biodata information in their care for the purpose of facilitating the criminal investigation and tendering same to establish their innocence with respect to Ukpo’s age in the criminal charges against them before the Uxbridge Magistrate Court.
When the matter was called, Awomolo informed the court that an application had been filed, seeking the order striking out the name of the 5th defendant (Nigeria Inter-Bank Settlement System Plc) and Justice Ekwo granted the prayer.
The senior lawyer told the court that all the defendants had been served with the court processes.
Justice Ekwo then asked lawyer to the 4th defendant (United Bank of Africa), G. O. Maduka, if they were served and he responded in affirmative.
According to him, after going through their motion on notice,, we felt we have no reaction to it.
Moving his motion, Awomolo said the application dated and filed on June 27 was supported by an affidavit and a written address.
“I respectfully adopted all the processes my lord,” he said.
Awomolo, however, called the attention of the court to letters written by the defendants, indicating that until his client’s application is granted by the court, “they will not be able to respond to their request.”
In a short ruling, the judge held that having been satisfied that the defendants had been served and looking at the averments in the application, “I make an order granting the prayers.”
Meanwhile, Ekweremadu, again appeared before the Uxbridge Magistrate Court in UK.
His wife, Beatrice, was absent.
The senator introduced himself and also confirmed his date of birth.
The couple was initially billed to appear in court on July 7 but the case was brought forward to Thursday (yesterday) before it was again adjourned till July 7 to enable the UK Attorney General, Suella Braverman, to determine whether the case would be tried in the country or Nigeria.
Reports said Ekweremadu was denied bail because he was considered a flight risk and due to the fact that the case involved a minor. This is seen as modern slavery.