A Federal High Court in Abuja has scheduled April 19 for the hearing of a suit filed by the impeached Deputy Governor of Edo State, Philip Shaibu, against the state house of assembly and others. The matter, which was brought before Justice Inyang Ekwo, was fixed for hearing after a team of lawyers representing the defense, including Alex Ejesieme, SAN, appeared in court to seek a date for the case.
Although the suit, marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/405/24, was not initially listed on the cause list, the lawyers informed the court that the matter was scheduled to hold on Thursday but was rescheduled due to a public holiday. In response, Justice Ekwo directed them to liaise with the court registrar for the next adjourned date, ultimately setting April 19 for the hearing.
In the suit dated March 26 but filed March 27, Shaibu sued various respondents, including the Inspector-General of Police, the State Security Service, and others involved in his impeachment by the Edo State House of Assembly. Shaibu’s lawsuit challenges the legality and constitutionality of the impeachment proceedings, alleging a violation of his fundamental right to fair hearing as guaranteed by the Nigerian Constitution.
Shaibu seeks several declarations from the court, including the illegality of the impeachment proceedings and the failure to serve him with the impeachment notice personally. He also requests an order directing certain respondents to recuse themselves from the investigation panel due to alleged bias.
The suit comes after Shaibu was impeached by the Edo State House of Assembly on grounds of perjury and leaking government secrets. The seven-man panel, led by retired Justice S.A. Omonua, found Shaibu guilty, leading to his impeachment.