A Rivers State High Court in Port Harcourt has issued a significant ruling, preventing the Nigerian Police and the Department of State Services from arresting or summoning Edison Ehie, the Chief of Staff to the suspended state governor. This decision stems from allegations put forth by Dr. George Nwaeke, the former Head of Service in Rivers State.
Justice I.P.C. Igwe delivered the verdict in Suit No: PHC/1113/CS/2025, filed by Ehie against multiple defendants, including the Inspector-General of Police and the Director-General of the DSS.
In the ruling announced on Thursday, Justice Igwe stated that an interim injunction is put in place to restrain the defendants from further inviting or detaining the claimant regarding the alleged arson incident at the Rivers State House of Assembly, which occurred on October 29, 2023, triggered by statements made by Dr. Nwaeke or others.
The court also authorized Ehie to serve legal documents to the police and DSS in Abuja, allowing the issuance and service of the Writ of Summons and other relevant processes to designated addresses in the Federal Capital Territory.
Furthermore, the judge ruled that the legal documents can be served via courier services to ensure they reach the intended recipients. Both parties have been instructed to maintain the current state of affairs until the hearing of the motion takes place.
Ehie is also required to provide a financial guarantee of N2 million to indemnify the defendants should the substantive motion be deemed frivolous.
The case is set for adjournment to April 30, 2025, for the hearing of the Motion on Notice for Interlocutory Injunction.
