It’s important to note that the Niger State government initiated this settlement attempt, with their lawyer, Jacob Johnson Usman SAN, informing the court about their decision to seek an amicable resolution in case number NSHC/M/0296/2025, which was filed on Tuesday, August 5, 2025. Both parties had agreed to explore this option and were set to return to court on September 3, 2025.
At that time, Usman mentioned that he had communicated with the plaintiffs’ lawyer, Philip Emmanuel, about discussions with his clients, the Governor and Attorney General of Niger State, and that Emmanuel had consented to the process.
However, during the hearing on September 3, Philip Emmanuel, representing Badeggi FM, disclosed that the negotiations with the state government had failed.
He stated: “My Lord, it’s unfortunate that the out-of-court settlement as requested in the last sitting has failed.”
Another attorney for the plaintiffs, Philip A.O., confirmed the unsuccessful talks but mentioned they were still looking into other avenues for an out-of-court resolution.
Due to the failed settlement, Justice Mohammed Mohammed, who was serving as a vacation judge at Minna High Court 4, recused himself from the case.
He instructed that the case file be sent back to the Chief Judge of Niger State for reassignment and postponed the matter indefinitely until the Chief Judge determines the next steps.