A Rivers State High Court in Port Harcourt has rejected the initial objection raised by the Nigerian Police, represented by Celestine Dickson, contesting the court's authority to address the fundamental rights lawsuit brought by Governor Siminalayi Fubara's Chief of Staff, Hon. Edison Ehie, against the police.
The court ruled that the objection lacked substance.
Justice Sika Aprioku, the presiding judge, asserted jurisdiction and emphasized that the absence of the Nigeria Police Force as a party does not invalidate the lawsuit, especially when the Commissioner of Police is involved. The judge deemed the police's objection without merit and dismissed it, ordering them to pay a fine of N100,000 to Hon. Edison Ehie.
Furthermore, Justice Aprioku granted the request of Edison's counsel, Damian Okoro, to prohibit the police from taking any action against Ehie, such as arrest, detention, or harassment, based on alleged charges by Rt Hon. Martin Amaewhule related to the destruction of the Rivers State House of Assembly's Hallow chamber.
Outside the courtroom, Celestine Dickson, representing the police, expressed intentions to review the judgment and advise his clients accordingly. He acknowledged the court's decision, emphasizing the binding nature of court rulings and indicating the need to assess the judgment before determining the next steps.
Meanwhile, Ibioku Mac-Barango, a counsel for the Chief of Staff, remarked that the judgment aligns with legal principles.
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