A Federal High Court, sitting in Abuja, has ordered parties in a suit filed over the controversy on the appointment of a presiding pastor for First Baptist Church, Garki, Abuja, to maintain status-quo antebellum, pending the next date of hearing.
Justice Obiora Egwuatu gave the order, on Thursday, following an ex-parte motion moved by counsel to the plaintiffs, Dr. Kayode Ajulo.
The trial judge ordered that the respondents be put on notice of the processes filed in the suit, including the Order of the Court.
The plaintiffs, in Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/432/2022, had sued the Incorporated Trustees of First Baptist Church, Garki, Abuja and current “acting pastor”, Rev. Tom Takpatore, as first and second respondents.
The plaintiffs sought, among others, for an order restraining the respondents from continuing with the process of selection and appointment of a substantive presiding pastor for the church, pending the hearing and determination of the Motion on Notice.
They also sought an order of the court directing the respondents to maintain status quo ante bellum, pending the hearing and determination of the Motion on Notice.
After hearing the motion, Justice Egwuatu, in a well-considered ruling, ordered the parties to maintain status quo ante bellum, pending the next date of hearing and adjourned till May, 30 for hearing of the Motion on Notice.
