Toba Owojaiye reporting
Abuja, Nigeria
The Federal High Court in Abuja has dismissed a N50 billion fundamental rights enforcement suit filed by former Edo State Deputy Governor, Philip Shaibu, against former Governor Godwin Obaseki and four others.
Truth Live News gathered that Justice Peter Lifu gave the ruling on Monday following Shaibu’s application to withdraw the case.
Counsel to Shaibu, Anita Oteh, informed the court that all parties had amicably resolved their differences, leading to the decision to withdraw the case.
Aliyu Abdulkadir, representing the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), noted that he was unaware of any settlement but did not oppose the withdrawal. However, he requested that the case be dismissed rather than simply withdrawn.
Justice Lifu ruled in favor of dismissal, citing that “issues had already been joined in the matter.” He stated, “In view of the fact that issues have been joined in this matter, this suit is hereby dismissed in its entirety.”
The suit, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/914/2024, was filed by Shaibu on July 19, 2024, through lawyer Egwuaba Reuben. The defendants included Governor Obaseki, the Inspector-General of Police, the DSS Director-General, the AGF, and the Attorney General of Edo State.
N50 billion as aggravated and exemplary damages for alleged rights violations.
A perpetual injunction restraining his arrest or detention without court approval.
N100 million was said as cost of the suit.
Shaibu claimed his unlawful removal from office was orchestrated by Obaseki and executed with support from the police and DSS. He also complained about the withdrawal of his security details and a July 2, 2024 government directive demanding the return of 22 official vehicles in his possession, which he considered further rights violations.
Shaibu’s tenure as deputy governor was constitutionally due to end on November 11, 2024. He claimed his impeachment by the Edo House of Assembly was illegal—a position upheld by Justice James Omotosho of another Federal High Court, who reinstated him to office on July 17, 2024.
None of the 1st (Obaseki), 2nd (IGP), 3rd (DSS DG), or 5th (Edo AG) defendants were represented in court during the hearing on Monday.
The dismissal of the N50 billion suit brings a legal truce between Philip Shaibu and Godwin Obaseki after months of political and legal tensions. While the terms of the settlement were not disclosed in court, the development marks a significant de-escalation in a saga that once threatened Edo State’s political stability ahead of the 2024 governorship transition.