A Rivers State High Court sitting in Port Harcourt will on the 21st February, 2024, commence hearing in the fundamental rights suit filed by the Chief of Staff to the Rivers State Governor, Edison Ehie, against the Nigerian Police.
The trial judge, Justice S. H Aprioku adjourned the matter after granting an appeal by the defendant’s counsel, Celestine Dickson, for an extension of time to enable him respond to the preliminary objection and counter affidavit filed by Ehie’s counsel on the issue of jurisdiction.
Recall that the court had on February 6th, 2024 extended the interim order sought by Ehie, restraining the police from arresting, detaining or harassing him over his alleged involvement in the explosion that rocked the Rivers State House of Assembly until the substantive suit is determined.
The interim order was as a result of a criminal petition against Ehie, instituted by the Martins Amaewhule-led lawmakers.
The Amaewhule-led lawmakers are accusing Ehie of burning the chambers of the Rivers State House of Assembly alongside some unknown hoodlums.
The chamber of the State Assembly was burnt on the 29th of October, 2023, in the wake of a face-off between Governor Sim Fubara and Minister of the Federal Capital Terrritory, Nyesom Wike.
The crisis led to the division of the State Assembly and an attempted impeachment of the governor.
