A Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered substituted service on the 36 state governors in a suit seeking financial autonomy for the judiciary.

Justice Binta Nyako gave the order after counsel for the plaintiff, Oba Maduabuchi, SAN, moved an exparte motion marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/502/2021.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the plaintiff, Emeka Okoye, in an originating summons, had sued the 36 states through their attorneys-general.

Other defendants in the originating summons dated June 18 are the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission, the Federation Accounts Allocation Committee, and the Attorney General of the Federation.

Moving the exparte motion, Maduabuchi prayed the court for an order of substituted service on the defendants.

He urged the court to grant his application for a national courier outfit, Red Star Express, to serve as special bailiff to effect service of the originating summons and other accompanied processes on the defendants as good and proper service.

Justice Nyako granted the prayer to serve the 36 state attorneys-general by substituted means by posting the originating summons and other processes through courier services to be delivered to their various addresses.

She adjourned the matter until December 7 for hearing.