By Stephen Ojo
The three Hydroelectric Power Plants operating in Niger State are currently exploring ways for out of court settlement in a criminal case filed at the state High Court II over default in payment of N126b ground rent by the Niger State Government.
Krestnews reports that Counsels to both parties involved in the case made this known at resumed second hearing on the matter on Monday, June 10.
Court records shows that the criminal matter was instituted at the Niger State High Court 2 Minna by the Niger State Internal Revenue Service against the North-South Power Company, Mainstream Energy Solutions and their directors as defendants
Former Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) Michael Kaase Aondoakaa (SAN) Counsel to the Mainstream Energy Solutions Limited and its Managing Director, explained that his clients have begun exploring settlement options as the company is not in position to pay ground rent as a concessionaire company.
He said, “we felt that the ground rent they are demanding should be from the federal government not us. We felt that the trial is a misnomer. At the same time they gave us this place, we are grateful. But we are trying to direct them to the place where they can get the money they are claiming. We are concessionaire, we don’t pay ground rent.”
According to him, “we have approached the complainant to sit down together and discuss it so that they will understand that they may direct the money they are demanding to the federal government “.
Also Speaking, Counsel to the North-South Power Company Ibrahim Isyaku SAN explained that if it is necessary, he would explore ways for amicable settlement, adding that, ” I just been briefed by my client and I need time to study the case file”.
The Counsel to the Niger State Internal Revenue Service/Complainant, Ibrahim Aliyu Lemu (SAN) confirmed the out of court settlement engagement with the defendants in an interview with journalists after the court session.
He said, “the defendants are now ready to sit down with us and resolve the issues on how to pay the ground rent to the Niger state government. As you know, the North-South Power Company is the one in charge of Shiroro Hydroelectric power plant and their Counsel is Ibrahim Isyaku. He has also approached us for amicable settlement of the matter “.
Meanwhile Justice Abdullahi Mika’iku of the State High Court II has adjourned the case against Mainstream Energy Solutions Limited and its Managing Director to July 8, 2024 While that of North-South Power Company Limited was adjourned to July 17, 2024 for defendants to take their pleas
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