Chris Uche SAN

Give it up for Chris Uche SAN, Lead Counsel of Atiku/PDP Legal Team at the PEPT.

He showed brilliance today when he argued before the Justices of the Tribunal that it will manifest gross injustice if he conducts cross-examination before the other respondents.

He placed reliance on the provisions of Section 210 and 217 (although relating to criminal trials) of the Evidence Act, that all the respondents should conduct their cross-examination on any respondent witness before the Petitioners will proceed with theirs.

He argued that cross-examination by the respondents after the petitioners will be like a re-examination of the witness, advancing the position that all the respondents are in one ship. All the counsels to the respondents argued vehemently against this position.

They emphasized that although Section 217 allows all respondents to conduct cross-examinations before the Plaintiff, the Section expressly relates to criminal cases and this is a civil case. Wole SAN and Fagbemi SAN argued that they are different respondents and do not agree.

The court noted that they’re not aware of any law that established this position to allow the procedure in civil cases, unless the Petitioners can show any recent authority. Chris argued that respondents has not shown any law or procedure that doesn’t agree with this position.

CHRIS UCHE SAN caused the Justices to rise, return to their chambers, deliberate on the issue and arguments. The beauty of law! And Yes, the court returned with a very sound and wise judgment, the Justices of the Tribunal showed their intellectual prowess today.

In allowing the arguments of Chris Uche SAN, the court held that although Section 217 applies to criminal proceedings, Section 210 gives the court the discretion on the procedure to apply ‘in the absence of any law’ (in a civil matter, as in the instant case).

The court ruled that Evidence Act wasn’t clear on cross-examination if it relates to co-respondents. That the FHC rules wasn’t as well, so they referred to a Foreign Indian Textbook called “Sakar on Laws of Evidence” which supports the arguments of Chris SAN.

The court held that it is simply just and in the interest of justice to allow the petitioner to perform the cross-examination thereafter. All Respondents proceeded with their cross-examination before the counsel to the petitioners, Chris Uche SAN conducted his Cross-examination.

Chris Uche SAN represented the illegally removed CJN, Justice Walter Onnoghen in 2019. He has led very high profile cases as they border on election petition, human rights cases, criminal cases and many more. Give the man his flowers, he was brilliant and outstanding today!

Courtesy Of @UkomahM

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