The Plateau State High Court has adjourned to October 29, 2026, proceedings on Jos North Local Government's application to set aside the June 9 judgment in the Jos North indigeneship case.
JOS, PLATEAU STATE – July 10, 2026
The Plateau State High Court has adjourned until October 29, 2026, proceedings on an application filed by the Jos North Local Government Council seeking to set aside the judgment delivered on June 9, 2026, in the contentious Jos North indigeneship case.
The earlier judgment was entered in favour of the respondents after the local government council failed to appear in court, resulting in a default judgment.
Dispute over legal representation
During Friday's proceedings, counsel to the Jos North Local Government Council and the three indigenous ethnic groups Berom, Afizere, and Anaguta Garba Pwul (SAN) challenged the appearance of a new legal team representing one of the respondents, Fatima Akawu.
The applicants argued that the lawyers were not originally on record in the matter and maintained that any change of legal representation should first be approved by the court through a formal application.
According to the applicants, the introduction of a new legal team without prior notice amounted to a legal ambush and was inconsistent with established court procedures.
Respondents defend right to separate counsel
Responding, Edward Pwajok (SAN) noted that all parties were duly represented before the court and argued that the issues raised related to procedural compliance.
Counsel to the respondents, Yakubu H. (SAN), representing Baba Alhaji Akawu, maintained that Fatima Akawu and her father are separate parties in the suit and are constitutionally entitled to retain different legal representatives.
He argued that engaging separate legal teams was within their legal rights and did not violate court procedures.
Court to rule on preliminary issue
After hearing submissions from both sides, the court adjourned the matter to October 29, 2026, to deliver a ruling on the issue of legal representation.
The court is expected to hear the substantive application seeking to set aside the June 9 judgment after resolving the preliminary procedural issue.
The Jos North indigeneship case has continued to attract significant public interest due to its implications for indigene status and related rights within the local government area.
Reported by Simon Augustine
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