Rivers State High Court Extends Restraining Order Against Arrest of Governor Fubara’s Chief of Staff

The Rivers State High Court in Port Harcourt has prolonged the interim order that restrains the Nigerian Police and other security agencies from arresting Edison Ehie, the Chief of Staff to the Rivers State Governor.

The extension of the order was granted by trial Judge, Justice Sika Aprioku, in response to a complaint filed by Demain Okoro, Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) and Counsel to Ehie. Okoro informed the court that, despite the initial interim order served on the Police, they persisted in declaring the Chief of Staff wanted.

Citing Order 4, Rule 4c of the Administration of Criminal Justice, Justice Aprioku invoked his authority to renew and extend orders in cases where an ex parte application is made. In addition, the judge addressed the application for an extension of time submitted by the respondent’s counsel, Celestine Dickson. He granted three days for the respondent’s counsel to respond to the process, while the applicant was given two days to reply.

The next hearing for the substantive suit has been scheduled for the 15th of February, 2024, as Justice Aprioku ensures due process in this ongoing legal matter.