Pfizer appeals against court’s judgment

Kola Oyelere, Kano - 19.02.2009

HOPE of resolving legal tussle between the Kano State government and Pfizer out of court may be a mirage as the company has filed an appeal in Kaduna, asking the court to set aside the ruling of a high court in Kano which was presided over by Justice Patricia Mahmoud on the ground that it lacks jurisdiction to hear the case.

The company said the judge could not preside over the case because her husband has interest in it.

According to the notice of appeal filed by the counsel for Pfizer, Chief Anthony Idigbe, the appellant, being dissatisfied with the ruling of the Kano High Court presided over by Justice Mahmoud, do hereby appeal upon this ground.

Chief Idigbe said the husband of the trial judge had interest in the outcome of the suit.

Chief Idigbe sought for an order from the Court of Appeal, setting aside the ruling delivered on December 5, 2008 and transfer the case to the Chief Judge of Kano State for hearing before a judge of Kano high court other than Justice Mahmoud.