North-South Power Company Limited and Stanbic IBTC Bank, operating in Niger State, have expressed their commitment to resolving the issue of rent owed to the state out-of-court. This decision comes after bench warrants were issued by the Niger State High Court II against the managing director of North-South Company and Mainstream Energy for failing to appear in court regarding the charges.
In the criminal case involving North-South Power Company Limited and its Managing Director, counsel to the complainant, Niger State Internal Revenue Service Aliyu Lemu (SAN), informed the court that the defendants’ counsel has shown a commitment to addressing the issues that led to the bench warrant issuance against their clients.
Justice Abdullahi Mika’ilu, while adjourning the matter to July 17, 2024, for the defendants to enter their pleas, emphasized that the bench warrant remains in effect.
Similarly, the court upheld its earlier bench warrant against Stanbic IBTC Bank, following the defense counsel’s application and no objection from the complainant’s counsel.
During the adjourned date, the complainant’s counsel confirmed to the court that personal service had been made to the managing director of the first defendant, Mainstream Energy Solutions Limited, who was absent from court. However, the company was represented in court.
Justice Abdullahi Mika’iku adjourned the criminal case to July 8, 2024, for the defendants, Mainstream Energy Solutions Limited and its managing director, to enter their pleas.
The case is part of the criminal aspect of the multi-billion Naira civil case against North-South Power Company Limited and Mainstream Energy Solutions Limited, which is ongoing at the Federal High Court II Minna.