The Edo state High Court sitting in Benin has granted an order for the Edo state government to apply for an Order of Mandamus compelling the Nigeria Police Force to investigate 18 individuals for their alleged complicity in the recent invasion of the Edo state House of Assembly.
The individuals include the 14 lawmakers whose seats have been declared vacant, the retired deputy clerk of Edo state House of Assembly, who purportedly presided over their inauguration and others.
Hon. Justice Efe Ikponmwonba, a vacation judge, gave the ruling on Wednesday, August 26, in suit no: B/141M/20 between complainant/applicant, which includes Attorney General of Edo state, Prof. Yinka Omorogbe, with G. E. Adekambi, M. O. Airende, Orobosa Okunbor, I. O. Kadiri and Adaze Emwanta against the Edo state commissioner of police.
The judge ruled that “application is granted as prayed. Leave is hereby granted the Applicant to apply for an Order of Mandamus compelling the Respondent to investigate the 18 individuals listed on the face of the application for offences alleged to have been committed.”
The criminal charges brought against them include moves “to commit felony (contrary to Section 516), impersonation (contrary to Section 484), unlawful assembly, (contrary to Section 69) and treasonable felony (contrary to Section 41) of the Criminal Code Cap. 48, Vol II, Laws of the defunct Bendel state, as applicable in Edo state.”
The case was adjourned for hearing on Tuesday, September 1.
Meanwhile, Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo, says the September 19 governorship election in the state, will put a final end to godfatherism. Obaseki made the comment during his ward to ward campaign tour across Esan north-east local government area.
Read Also: Edo 2020: Obaseki Importing Thugs, APC Alleges
He said the election is very vital, not just for the state, but the country, as the decision had to be made whether or not the state should move forward.
former minister of foreign affairs and ex-APC chieftain, Chief Tom Ikimi, has declared his support for Governor Obaseki.
Read Also: Court Remands 7 Suspects Over Edo Assembly Invasion
Ikimi, one of the founding fathers of the All Progressives Congress, declared his support for the governor when the PDP held a campaign in his domain – Igueben local government area on Wednesday, August 19.
Ikimi, 76, urged his people to reelect Governor Obaseki and Comrade Philip Shaiubu in the September 19 gubernatorial election to enable them to consolidate on their achievements in the first term.
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