The High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), sitting at Apo, has fixed October 9 for ruling on the admissibility of documents tendered in a ₦25 million construction dispute involving an Abuja-based firm, Simitex Engineering Company Limited.
Justice Abubakar Baba Salleh gave the date after hearing arguments on whether the processes of an Abuja Magistrate Court, served on the claimant, could be admitted as evidence. Counsel for Red Sapphire Nigeria Limited, the first defendant, objected to the admissibility of the documents, insisting they were uncertified.
Simitex had dragged Red Sapphire, the Minister of the FCT, and two senior directors of the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) to court over an alleged breach of agreement. The suit, marked FCT/HC/CV/4160/24, also lists the Directors of Parks and Recreation as well as Development Control as co-defendants.
The company claims that in 2008, it was allocated part of the Abuja Zoological Park at Area 1, Garki, by Red Sapphire, managers of the facility on behalf of the FCDA. With approval from the managers, it constructed three additional office spaces at a cost of ₦25 million, on the understanding that the money would be refunded. Simitex, however, alleges that Red Sapphire later reneged after repossessing the property.
In its suit, the claimant is seeking an order directing the defendants to reimburse it for the construction cost, restrain Red Sapphire from using or renting out the offices until payment is made, and jointly compel all four defendants to pay the ₦25 million due.
At Monday’s hearing, counsel to the claimant, A.T. Abdulkareem, led the principal witness, Ibrahim Tajudeen, in further testimony. Tajudeen confirmed documents relating to the firm’s dealings with Red Sapphire, which were tendered without objection.
Justice Salleh adjourned the matter to October 9 for ruling on the disputed documents and continuation of cross-examination.
