FIC Report (Edo State) – A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has declined jurisdiction in the legal battle initiated by the suspended chairmen of the 18 Local Government Councils in Edo State. The court, presided over by Justice Emeka Nwite, had initially scheduled Monday, January 20, 2025, to hear a Motion on Notice for an interlocutory injunction filed by the suspended chairmen.
However, during the Monday proceedings, Justice Nwite informed the parties that the case file had been transferred to the Benin Division of the Federal High Court. This decision followed an application filed by the counsel representing the 1st to 5th defendants.
Justice Nwite explained, “The implication of the transfer is that the Federal High Court Abuja lacks the territorial jurisdiction to entertain the case since the parties are based in Edo and the main subject matter of the suit is the interpretation of the Edo State Local Government Laws.”
Although the judge had previously ordered all parties to maintain the status quo, it remains uncertain whether this interim order will remain effective following the transfer of the case to Benin.
A senior lawyer present in court, speaking on condition of anonymity, reiterated that the Abuja division’s decision to transfer the case underscores its lack of territorial jurisdiction over the matter, which is centered on the interpretation of state laws in Edo.
The suspended chairmen and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) had jointly filed the motion ex parte, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1952/V/2024, on December 24, 2024, though it was dated December 20, 2024. They listed the Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly and the Governor of Edo State as the 1st to 4th defendants.
Other defendants in the suit include the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice of Edo State, the Attorney General of the Federation, and the Inspector General of Police, who were listed as the 5th to 7th defendants, respectively.
The legal tussle now shifts to the Benin Division of the Federal High Court, where the suspended chairmen hope to continue their quest for justice.
Signed
Omoluogbe Ruth
FIC Benin City
