On Wednesday, a Federal High Court in Abuja rejected the bid to halt the impeachment proceedings against Edo State Deputy Governor, Phillip Shaibu, initiated by the state House of Assembly.
The impeachment move was triggered by allegations of leaking government secrets, commencing on March 5, 2024.
Shaibu filed an ex-parte motion (FHC/ABJ/CS/321/2024), seeking to restrain the House of Assembly, Speaker, and Clerk from proceeding with any removal process pending the hearing of a motion on notice.
However, Justice James Omotosho declined the application on March 13.
Related News: Edo Assembly directs Chief Judge to set up committee on Shaibu’s impeachment
During the recent proceedings, Shaibu, represented by his counsel Prof Olawoyin Awoyale (SAN), requested a maintenance of status quo.
Yet, Justice Omotosho declined, citing non-service of court summons to the Edo State Governor and House of Assembly, the primary actors in the case.
Consequently, the judge granted Shaibu’s application to serve the process on the governor and assembly through substituted means.
He ordered the court process to be affixed at the entrance of the Edo State Government House and the gate of the state House of Assembly Complex in Benin.
Additionally, all court papers will be served via a registered courier company.
The matter was adjourned till April 15 for further hearing.
