Court adjourns hearing of Member of Langtang North /South for accelerated hearing
From Yakubu Wuyep, Jos
Honourable Justice Longden,of the Plateau State High Court, N0 12 has expressed concerned over the long delayed case between Member representing Langtang North /South which was resurfaced since 2023 ,as unconstitutional .
The court noted that prolonged delayed in hearing of alleged criminal proceedings could affect the efficient administration of justice and interfere with the court’s carefully structured hearing calendar.
Justice Longden further emphasised the need for all parties to ensure that the matter progresses expeditiously resumed hearing.
He stressed that unnecessary delayed should be avoided in the interest of justice where he pointed out that the grounds for case management should be followed .
Justice Longden further said, having considered the submissions of both the prosecution and the defence, he granted the application for adjournment for accelerated.
The judge ordered the prosecution to open and conclude its case within three clear hearing days fixed for October 27, 28 and 29, 2026.
The court also reminded all counsel and parties to comply strictly with the hearing timetable, warning that the schedule was intended to facilitate an orderly and efficient trial.
The matter was accordingly adjourned to October 27, 2026, for the commencement of hearing in line with the timetable issued by the court.
The alleged criminal proceedings instituted by the Plateau State Commissioner of Police against the member representing Langtang North/South Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Vincent Venman, on Tuesday, July 7th , 2026, sought an adjournment following a directive from the Plateau State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Philemon Daffi.
The matter, was instituted against the Hon.Vincent since 2023, was originally at the Langtang High Court before it was transferred to the Plateau State High Court in Jos for continuation of hearing.
Following the transfer, the case came up for the first time in Jos on Monday, July 6th , 2026. At that sitting, the court adjourned the hearing to the following day after the prosecution indicated its readiness to call witnesses.
However, when the case was mentioned on Tuesday 7th the anticipated hearing did not proceed as earlier scheduled.
Instead, counsel for the prosecution informed the court that he had received a communication from the Attorney General directing him to seek an adjournment.
According to the prosecution, the request became necessary because additional facts considered relevant to the prosecution of the case had recently emerged and required further examination before witnesses could be presented.
Counsel consequently sought the court to grant the application in the interest of justice.
In response, counsel representing Hon. Venman did not oppose the application. Defence counsel acknowledged the constitutional role of the Attorney General in the conduct and supervision of criminal prosecutions and left the request to the discretion of the court.
