A Federal High Court in Abuja has declined to grant an injunction halting the impeachment process against Edo State Deputy Governor, Phillip Shaibu, initiated by the state House of Assembly.
The impeachment proceedings against Shaibu, stemming from allegations of leaking government secrets, commenced on March 5, 2024. Shaibu sought relief from the court through an ex-parte motion, seeking to restrain the House of Assembly from proceeding with his impeachment pending the hearing of a motion on notice.
However, Justice James Omotosho, in a ruling on March 13, denied Shaibu’s application. During recent proceedings, Shaibu’s counsel, Prof Olawoyin Awoyale (SAN), requested an order maintaining the status quo, but this was also declined by Justice Omotosho.
The judge emphasized that neither the Edo State Governor nor the State House of Assembly had been served with the originating summons of the suit, as required by law. In response, Justice Omotosho granted Shaibu’s application to serve the court process on the governor and the House of Assembly through substituted means.
Consequently, Justice Omotosho ordered that the court process be affixed to the entrance of the Edo State Government House and the gate of the State House of Assembly Complex in Benin. Additionally, he mandated the use of a registered courier company for serving all court papers on the parties involved.
The matter has been adjourned until April 15 for further hearing.