In a recent court session, Justice Akintayo Aluko addressed a significant development in the case between United Bank of Africa (UBA) and Stallion Nigeria Limited. UBA, represented by Mr. Temilolu Adamolekun, is seeking to recover an alleged sum of ₦156bn from Stallion Nigeria Limited and its subsidiaries. The bank has appointed a Receiver over some of Stallion’s mortgaged properties in Lagos, Port Harcourt, and Kano.
During the session, Justice Aluko noted that rulings on two different applications were ready to be delivered. However, he was constrained from proceeding due to a directive from the Chief Judge, stemming from a letter written by Wahab Shittu, Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) and counsel to some of the defendants. Shittu’s letter requested the transfer of the case, alleging unwarranted delays and adjournments by the court—a claim Justice Aluko refuted as false.
Adamolekun and other legal practitioners present, including Senior Advocate of Nigeria Femi Falana, expressed shock at Shittu’s allegations. They highlighted that the matter had enjoyed expeditious hearings, contrary to Shittu’s claims. Adamolekun pointed out that Shittu’s letter was not copied to other lawyers in the case, contrary to professional conduct rules, thereby preventing them from countering the allegations.
Justice Aluko emphasized that he had presided over the case for nine sessions and delivered seven rulings on contentious applications since it commenced on October 24, 2023. Due to the directive from the Chief Judge, the case was adjourned until July 19, 2024, awaiting a decision on Shittu’s transfer request. Falana promised to address the issue with Shittu to ensure proper conduct and fairness in the proceedings.
The plaintiffs/applicants in the suit are UBA Plc, UBA Cameroon SA, Cote D’Ivoire SA, and Romeo Ese Michael. The defendants/respondents include Stallion Nigeria Limited (In Receivership) and several of its subsidiaries.
