Rivers State High Court Grants Motion Ex-Parte in Favor of Chief of Staff Amidst Legal Controversy
In a recent development, the Rivers State High Court in Port Harcourt has approved a motion ex-parte filed by Edison Ehie, the Chief of Staff to the Rivers State Government House, against the Nigerian Police. This legal move aims to prevent any arrest, detention, or harassment by security agencies regarding Ehie’s alleged involvement in the invasion of the Rivers State House of Assembly.
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| Rivers State Governor Siminalaya Fubara |
Justice Sika Aprioku, the presiding judge, granted the order and scheduled a substantive application hearing for February 6. Meanwhile, a Federal High Court in Abuja issued an arrest warrant for Ehie earlier today in connection with the suspected role in the burning of the state House of Assembly.
The incident, which occurred on October 30, 2023, involved an explosion at the state assembly building during reported attempts by some lawmakers to remove Governor Siminalayi Fubara from office.
The Federal High Court also issued arrest orders for Jinjiri Bala, Happy Benedict, Progress Joseph, Adokiye Oyagiri, and Chibuike Peter, all suspected of criminal involvement.
The controversy stems from allegations by the Martin Amaewhule-led lawmakers, who submitted criminal petitions to the Rivers State Police Command against Edison Ehie. The petition accused Ehie of complicity in the invasion and burning of the Rivers State House of Assembly by unidentified hoodlums.
Fubara, on Monday, swore in Ehie as the Chief of Staff and five others as Special Advisers amidst the ongoing legal dispute. The court proceedings add another layer to the unfolding drama surrounding the events at the Rivers State House of Assembly.
