Court Bars Police, DSS from Arresting Fubara’s Chief of Staff Edison Ehie

A Rivers State High Court in Port Harcourt has issued an interim order preventing the police, the Department of State Services (DSS), and other security agencies from arresting Edison Ehie, the suspended Chief of Staff to Governor Siminalayi Fubara.

Justice IPC Igwe granted the order following a motion filed by Ehie, who sought protection against alleged harassment and intimidation by security operatives. The case lists the Inspector-General of Police, the Director-General of the DSS, the Rivers State Director of the DSS, and the Police Service Commission as respondents.

The court specifically restrained these agencies from summoning, detaining, or harassing Ehie in connection with allegations of arson at the Rivers State House of Assembly on March 29, 2023. The judge referenced a statement made by former Head of Service Dr. George Nwaeke and ruled that Ehie should not be arrested based on that or any other related testimony.

Additionally, the court approved the service of legal documents to the defendants through Red Star Express Courier Service to their addresses in Abuja. It also ordered all parties to maintain the status quo until the motion for an interlocutory injunction is heard. Ehie is required to provide a N2 million undertaking to indemnify the defendants if his motion is deemed frivolous.

The case has been adjourned to April 30, 2025, for further proceedings.