The High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has granted a stay of execution on a judgment earlier delivered by a Dutse Magistrate Court in a case involving Benue politician Ewaoche Benjamin Obe and his wife, Mrs. Christiana Obe.
Obe, a former governorship candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), was reportedly evicted from his matrimonial home in Abuja, with his belongings thrown into the street following the magistrate court’s judgment.
The Magistrate Court had previously declined jurisdiction over the matter, stating it could not entertain land title disputes.
The defendants in the high court suit are Mrs. Christiana Owofuni Obe, Jesryte Global Resources Ltd, and Mr. Thomas Onuh—the twin brother and owner of the company.
“The judgment of the Magistrate Court, if executed, will cause irreparable damages to the applicant,” counsel to the claimant/applicant, Jefferson Uwaifoh (Esq), urged the court.
Granting the application, the FCT High Court, presided over by Hon. Justice M.A. Madugu, approved the Motion Ex Parte, ordering a stay of execution in line with the reliefs sought.
The court order restrained Mrs. Christiana Obe, Jesryte Global Resources Ltd, Mr. Thomas Onuh, and their agents from selling, occupying, or conducting any activity in and around the property.
The court further ruled: “An order of this Honourable Court is granted to the Claimant/Applicant for substituted service of all the Court processes in this suit and any other documents on the 1st and 2nd Defendants by pasting the same in a conspicuous place within the res being Plot No. BDT/20 and Plot BDT/22 Sagwari Layout, with the 4 Bedroom Duplex with a detached Chalet which has come to be known as No. 8, Ayo Solomon Crescent, Sagwari Layout, Dutse Makaranta, Bwari Area Council, Abuja.”
It will be recalled that Chief Obe initially approached the Dutse Magistrate Court as an interpleader, but the court declined jurisdiction and referred the matter to the High Court.
The case has been adjourned to July 16, 2025, for hearing.