Justice Bello Kawu of FCT High Court, Kubwa, on Wednesday, ordered Mr Okibe Emmanuel, counsel to Minister of Youth and Sports, to pay N5,000 cost to Bash Ali for laxity.
Kawu said that the matter before the court was filed since Feb. 27, but the counsel was unable to file his responses till the date fixed for hearing.
The judge adjourned the matter till May 17 for hearing.
In the suit filed by the applicant’s counsel, Mr B.O. Nafagha, the veteran boxer, seeks a court declaration, ordering the Minister of Youth and Sports to pay him N1billion as damages.
The money is a compensation for the violation of his fundamental human rights.
The plaintiff also wants the court to order the respondent to make public apology in two national newspapers and also pay him N8million as cost of litigation.
Emmanuel, counsel to the respondent, had told the court that he was yet to file his responses, but has filed a preliminary objection, contesting the jurisdiction of the court.
He said that he was prepared to proceed with his argument.
Responding, Mr Nafagha, counsel to the applicant, told the court that he was prepared to respond to the objection. (NAN)