Rivers Assembly fire: Court to hear Ehie, Ihunwo’s bid to stop arrest

A Rivers State High Court sitting in Port Harcourt has fixed June 15, 2025.to hear a motion for an order of injunction filed by the Chief of Staff to the suspended Rivers State Governor, Edison Ehie, against the Nigerian Police, the Inspector General of Police, the Rivers State Commissioner of Police, and the Department of State Services, DSS.

The court, presided by Justice I.P.C. Igwe, also adjourned to the same date to hear a motion for injunctive orders brought by the former Chairman of Obio/Akpor Local Government Council, Chijioke Ihunwo, against the same respondents.

In separate suits, Ehie and Ihunwo are seeking five declarations from the court, including an order restraining the Nigerian Police and the DSS from inviting, harassing, arresting, or detaining them in connection with the arson at the hallowed chamber of the Rivers State House of Assembly on October 29, 2023.

The suits are based on a statement made by the former Head of Service, George Nweke, on March 27, 2025.

Edison’s legal team argues that based on a judgment delivered by Justice Sika Aprioku of a Rivers State High Court in their client’s favor, which has not been overturned by any appellate court, the defendants lack the legal authority to arrest, invite, harass, or detain Ehie in connection with the alleged attack on the Assembly.

The legal team is also urging the court to consider Justice Aprioku’s ruling as binding, since it remains unchallenged on appeal.

Ehie’s legal team is asking the court to bar the defendants from declaring their client wanted, compelling him to appear at their Abuja office, or taking any action that could lead to his arrest or detention.

They are also seeking a perpetual injunction against both the Police and the DSS.

When the matter came up in court on Wednesday, counsel to the Nigerian Police, Dickson Celestine, informed the court that he had only received the case file within the past 24 hours.

He orally requested more time to study the documents and file a response.

DAILY POST reports that the plaintiff’s counsel, Demain Okoro, SAN, did not object to the request.

After listening to both parties, Justice I.P.C. Igwe adjourned the matter to June 15, 2025, for hearing of the motion for a perpetual injunction.

Rivers Assembly fire: Court to hear Ehie, Ihunwo’s bid to stop arrest