National Industrial Court has ordered, Major-General Ijioma Ijioma and the Nigeria Army Council to file their pleadings within fourteen days.

Ijioma, the claimant is challenging the Nigeria Army Council for his alleged retirement through a letter dated June 9, 2016.

He joined the Minister of Defence, Chief of Defence Staff, and Chief of Army Staff as co-respondents in the suit.

The judge, Justice Edith Agbakoba,who gave the order on Monday, held that the issues raised by parties in their submissions were material to the case.

She, subsequently, ordered the parties to file and serve their pleadings within two weeks.

I hereby ordered that the claimant file his statement of facts within 14 days and the defendants to file statement of defence within 14 days,” the judge held.

The court then adjourned the case till Feb.28 for mention

Claimant’s counsel, Justin Omogbemeh, held brief for Chief Michael Ozekhome (SAN) while Paul Omafidor, represented the Minister of Defence and Chief of Defence staff.