THE ATTORNEY-GENERAL OF THE FEDERATION V. THE ATTORNEY-GENERAL OF LAGOS STATE

MUHAMMAD JSC (Delivering the Lead Ruling): The plaintiff/respondent took out a civil summons dated 3 March 2011 invoking the original jurisdiction of this court against the defendant/objector. On 10 October 2016, the latter gave notice of preliminary objection pursuant to Order 2, rule 29 of the Supreme Court Rules, 1999 (as amended), section 232(2) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), and under the inherent jurisdiction of this court seeking the following orders:

“(1) An order striking out this suit as this honourable court lacks the requisite original jurisdiction to entertain same. 

(2) An order striking out this suit as the plaintiff/respondent lacks the locus standi to institute this action.

(3) And for such further order or orders as this honourable court may deem fit to make in the circumstances.”

The objection is predicated on the grounds that:-

“1. This honourable court lacks original jurisdiction to entertain causes or matters between th…