The Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered substituted service in the impeachment proceedings initiated against Deputy Governor Philip Shaibu.
The court’s decision came after Justice James Omotosho declined an oral application to halt the impeachment move, citing procedural irregularities.
Addressing the courtroom, Justice Omotosho stated the need for proper service of court documents to all involved parties.
He said, “The Governor of Edo State and the Edo State House of Assembly, who are the principal actors in the matter, have not been served with the Originating Summons of the suit as required by law.” Consequently, he granted Shaibu’s request to serve the court papers on Governor Godwin Obaseki and the state House of Assembly through substituted means.
The court mandated that the court process be visibly posted at the entrance gate of the Edo State Government House and the gate of the state House of Assembly Complex in Benin.
Additionally, all court papers are to be served on the concerned parties using a registered courier company. Further proceedings on the matter are adjourned till April 15, providing a window for legal deliberations.
The impeachment proceedings against Deputy Governor Shaibu were instigated by the Edo State House of Assembly on March 5, 2024, citing allegations of leaking government secrets. In response, Shaibu swiftly filed a suit (FHC/ABJ/CS/321/2024) seeking an injunction to restrain the defendants from proceeding with his impeachment.
However, this makes it the second time Justice Omotosho has denied Shaibu’s plea for temporary relief. Previously, on March 13, the judge rejected Shaibu’s ex parte application for an interim order to halt the proceedings pending the final determination of the suit. “The motion ex parte for interim injunction… is hereby refused,” declared Justice Omotosho.
