Shaibu to Serve Impeachment Papers at Obaseki’s Office

The Federal High Court in Abuja, on Wednesday, denied a request to halt the impeachment proceedings initiated by the Edo State House of Assembly against Deputy Governor Philip Shaibu. Justice James Omotosho rejected an oral plea by Shaibu’s counsel, Prof. Olawoyin Awoyale, to maintain the status quo. Noting that the governor and the assembly hadn’t been served, the judge granted Shaibu’s request to serve court papers on Obaseki and the assembly by alternative means, ordering them to be affixed at the entrances of the Edo State Government House and the assembly complex.

Justice Omotoso further instructed that all court documents be delivered to involved parties via registered courier. The proceedings were adjourned until April 15. The impeachment process against Shaibu commenced on March 5, 2024, citing allegations of government secrets leakage. On Tuesday, the assembly petitioned the Chief Judge to form a seven-member panel to investigate the claims. Seeking to halt his impeachment, Shaibu filed a lawsuit, FHC/ABJ/CS/321/2024, before Justice Omotoso, praying for an order to restrain the defendants from proceeding. However, for the second time, the judge declined to grant interim relief to halt the impeachment proceedings, having previously denied Shaibu’s ex parte application on March 13.