The Federal High Court in Abuja has directed the Federal Government and the concessionaire responsible for the Benin-Asaba Expressway to appear before it over a suit seeking urgent safety measures on the road.
Justice I. E. Ekwo issued a show-cause order in proceedings instituted by the Incorporated Trustees of the Society of Public Interest Lawyers in Nigeria.
The suit names the Benin-Asaba Expressway Concession Company Limited, Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Works as defendants.
SPI-LAW approached the court through an ex parte application, alleging that sections of the highway had become dangerous and posed serious risks to motorists and other road users.
Rather than immediately granting the substantive emergency reliefs sought, the court ordered the defendants to appear and explain why the orders should not be made.
The matter is scheduled for further proceedings on September 28.
The case raises broader questions about public authorities’ responsibility for road safety, concession arrangements and the use of public-interest litigation to seek preventive relief before accidents occur.
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- SOURCE: Lawyard
- BACKGROUND: Premium Times
