Court to Rule on Arrest Warrant Against Rivers State Governor’s Chief of Staff

The Federal High Court in Abuja has scheduled Monday for the hearing of motions on notice filed by Edison Ehie, the chief of staff to Gov. Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State, seeking to vacate its earlier arrest warrant order against him and others.

Justice Emeka Nwite fixed the date after counsel for Ehie and five others, Femi Falana, SAN, and Oluwole Aladedoye, SAN, filed separate applications to that effect.

The judge had issued a warrant for the arrest of Mr Ehie and five others over their alleged involvement in the burning of part of the state’s House of Assembly on Oct. 29, 2023. The warrant was issued following an ex-parte application brought by counsel for Inspector-General of Police (I-G), Simon Lough, SAN.

However, the defence counsels have filed motions seeking various reliefs, including setting aside the arrest warrant and staying the execution of the order.

While Falana filed a motion to set aside the January 31 order, Mr Aladedoye filed an application for a stay of execution of the arrest order.

The defence counsels argued that the court lacked jurisdiction to entertain the ex-parte application, as the alleged offences took place in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, and not within the court’s territorial jurisdiction.

They also argued that the complainant/respondent (I-G) did not provide evidence of terrorism, as required by the Terrorism Prevention Act, 2013 (as amended), in the affidavit in support of the application.

The defence further stated that a notice of appeal had been filed against Justice Nwite’s orders, and granting their application would prevent their appeal from being rendered nugatory.

The case has raised concerns about the credibility of the judicial process and the implications for the political landscape in Rivers State.

Daily Nigerian