Federal High Court Orders Arrest of Rivers State Governor’s Chief of Staff, Five Others

Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court Abuja has issued an arrest warrant for Edison Ehie, the Chief of Staff to Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara. This action is based on Ehie’s alleged involvement in the burning of the State House of Assembly. The former Speaker of Rivers State House of Assembly, along with five others, including Jinjiri Bala, Happy Benedict, Progress Joseph, Adokiye Oyagiri, and Chibuike Peter (Rambo), are accused of engaging in criminal activities.

The arrest order was granted on Wednesday as part of an ex-parte application brought before Justice Nwite by the Inspector General of Police (IGP), relying on various legal provisions, including sections 37, 113, 114, 84, and 184 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2015, section 35 of the 1999 Constitution, and section 32 of the Police Act 2020.

Deputy Commissioner of Police, Simon Lough, argued the ex-parte application, asserting that the defendants were at large and implicated in conspiracy, arson, terrorism, attempted murder, and the murder of a Superintendent of Police, SP Bako Agbashim, along with five other police informants.

The five informants allegedly killed by the defendants are Charles Osu, Ogbonna Eja, Idaowuka Felix, Paul Victor Chibuogu, and Saturday Edi.

Justice Nwite granted the IGP’s request to declare the defendants wanted. The court emphasized the importance of their arrest for subsequent investigation and trial.

It’s worth noting that two weeks ago, five individuals from Port Harcourt faced terrorism charges and were remanded at Kuje Prison. Their trial is set to continue, and they are expected to remain in prison custody until February 2, pending the determination of their bail applications by another judge, Justice Mobolaji Olajuwon.

Meanwhile, the Port Harcourt Division of the Rivers State High Court has issued an ex-parte order preventing the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies from arresting, detaining, or harassing Edison Ehie.