The Federal High Court in Abuja on Monday dismissed a N50 billion fundamental rights enforcement suit filed by the former Deputy Governor of Edo State, Philip Shaibu, against former Governor Godwin Obaseki and four others.
Justice Peter Lifu threw out the case following an application for withdrawal by Shaibu’s lawyer, Anita Oteh, who told the court that parties had reached a settlement.
Oteh explained that the issues in the suit had been resolved amicably, prompting her client to discontinue the matter. However, counsel to the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), Aliyu Abdulkadir, who was listed as the fourth defendant, said he was unaware of any such settlement.
“However, we are not opposed to the application for withdrawal and will also not be asking for a cost, but I will make a simple request,” Abdulkadir said, urging the court not to dismiss the suit outright.
Oteh disagreed, insisting that the application for withdrawal be granted as filed.
Delivering his ruling, Justice Lifu held that since parties had already joined issues in the matter, a dismissal was more appropriate than a mere striking out.
“In view of the fact that issues have been joined in this matter, this suit is hereby dismissed in its entirety,” the judge ruled.
Shaibu had instituted the suit, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/914/2024, on July 19, 2024, through his counsel, Egwuaba Reuben.
The suit was against Obaseki, the Inspector-General of Police, Director of the Department of State Services, the AGF, and the Edo State Attorney-General.
The former deputy governor sought N50 billion in damages for alleged unlawful violation of his fundamental rights.
He also sought a perpetual injunction restraining the defendants from further arresting or detaining him without court approval and N100 million as litigation costs.
In his affidavit, Shaibu claimed that he was unlawfully removed from office before the expiration of his tenure on November 11, 2024.
He accused Obaseki of orchestrating his removal with the support of security agencies, including the Police and DSS.
He further alleged that his security detail was withdrawn, and a notice was issued for the retrieval of 22 official vehicles in his custody, which he described as an intimidation tactic.
Notably, Justice James Omotosho of a separate court had reinstated Shaibu to office on July 17, 2024, ruling that his earlier impeachment by the Edo House of Assembly was illegal.
The dismissal of the fundamental rights suit now appears to signal the end of the legal tussle between Shaibu and Obaseki, following months of political tension in the state.
Do you want to share a story with us? Do you want to advertise with us? Do you need publicity for a product, service, or event? Contact us on WhatsApp +2348183319097 Email: platformtimes@gmail.com
We are committed to impactful investigative journalism for human interest and social justice. Your donation will help us tell more stories. Kindly donate any amount HERE
