A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has again restrained the Edo state governor, Godwin Obaseki from initiating any alleged impeachment process against his deputy, Philip Shaibu pending the determination of the matter.
Also, the Inspector General of Police, State Security Service was restrained from arresting, detaining, or harassing Shaibu.
Shaibu had filed a motion on notice and motion ex parte praying to the court to stop the commencement of an alleged impeachment process against him.
In the suit marked FHC/ABJ/ CS/1027/2023, the Inspector-General of Police, Department of State Services, Edo State governor; Speaker, Edo State House of Assembly and the Chief Judge, Edo State, are the first to fifth defendants respectively.
Ruling on the motion on notice last Friday, Justice Ahmed Ramat Mohammed had directed the parties in the suit to maintain “Status quo ante bellum”.
He also ordered the defendants to show cause why the interim orders sought by the plaintiff should not be granted.
At the resumed proceeding on Thursday, the counsel to the plaintiff, George Ibrahim told the court that the third, fourth, and fifth defendants have shown cause and served them their counter affidavits.
He added that the DSS did not show cause, rather it filled a counter affidavit to the originating summon. Ibrahim also said he had yet to receive the same from the IG.
Responding, the counsel for the second defendant, I. Awo contended that the DSS ought not to have been a party to the case. He, however, sought the leave of the court to do the needful.
The IG, Olukayode Egbetokun did not have a legal representation at the hearing on Thursday.
Ruling, the presiding judge ordered all parties to maintain the status quo pending the conclusion of the matter.
He gave the second defendant two working days to show cause.
The judge, however, adjourned till August 22 for a hearing.
