A Federal High Court in Abuja has scheduled October 24, 2024, for the hearing of a contempt charge filed by the reinstated Deputy Governor of Edo State, Philip Shaibu, against Marvellous Godwins Omobayo for allegedly refusing to comply with a court ruling.
The court date was set by Justice James Omotosho after Shaibu’s legal counsel, Reuben Egwuaba, informed the court that a motion had been filed seeking the committal of Omobayo, who had taken over as the deputy governor, to prison.
Egwuaba argued that Omobayo failed to honour a valid court order that reinstated Shaibu to his position.
Justice Omotosho directed that Omobayo be served with all relevant court documents, including Form 49, which was filed on September 19. The form will allow Omobayo to respond and possibly purge himself of the contempt charge.
“This matter is adjourned to the 24th of October for hearing of the motion on notice filed on the 19th of September, seeking the committal of Engr. Marvellous Godwins Omobayo.
He will be given an opportunity to defend himself,” the judge said.
The judge further ordered that the motion be served on Omobayo, allowing him time to file the necessary defence.
Earlier, Shaibu’s lawyer, Egwuaba, requested a swift adjournment, pointing out that the current administration’s tenure would end on November 12, stressing the urgency of the case.
He noted that despite a court judgment delivered on July 17, Omobayo and the Edo State House of Assembly had not complied with the ruling. Multiple letters had been sent to the Assembly, but no action had been taken.
In a related development, Justice Omotosho on Tuesday dismissed two motions filed by the Edo State Government and the House of Assembly challenging Shaibu’s reinstatement.
The judge also ordered the state government and the Assembly to pay a cost of N200,000 each.
The motions were withdrawn following applications by the lawyers representing the state’s Attorney-General, Marvin Omorogbe, and the House of Assembly’s counsel, Sonia Egbunia.
They explained that the withdrawal was necessary as the records of appeal had already been transmitted to the Court of Appeal.
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