Court Stops Governor Obaseki from Arresting, Prosecuting Oshiomhole Over Alleged Corruption In Edo

Abuja Division of the Federal High Court, on Monday, barred Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, from arresting and prosecuting the National Chairman of the All Progressive Congress (APC), Adams Oshiomhole, over his alleged indictment by a panel of inquiry.

A panel of inquiry headed by Justice J.U Oyomire, had indicted Oshiomhole of alleged corruption and recommended that criminal proceedings be commenced against the former governor.

Oshiomhole, through his counsel, Mr Ehiogie West- Idahosa, in an ex parte motion asked the court to stop his arrest and prosecution by the Obaseki’s administration on corruption allegations emanating from the panel of inquiry.

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However, lawyer to the Edo State Government, Mr Alex Ejeiseme (SAN) went to the court with a preliminary objection to stop the ex parte order from being heard.

Ejeiseme argued that since his clients are challenging the jurisdiction of the court to hear the matter, the court must firstly determine the issue of jurisdiction before entertaining any other application.

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After listening to both parties in the case, Justice Ahmed Mohammed ordered all the parties to maintain their status quo until June 17, when a preliminary objection that is challenging the jurisdiction of the court to interfere in the matter, would be heard.

”An interim order is hereby made restraining the prosecution of the applicant pursuant to the report submitted to the 1st to3rd respondents or any white paper, pending the determination of the issue of jurisdiction raised in the 1st to 4th respondents notice preliminary objection”, the judge held.

Justice Mohammed also directed Oshiomhole’s lawyer to serve all the respondents in the suit all court processes within 48 hours and adjourned till June 17, 2020.

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