Justice Mobolaji Olajuwon of the Federal High Court in Abuja has rejected the dismissal plea for terrorism charges against Edison Ehie, Chief of Staff to the Rivers State Governor.
Justice Olajuwon ruled that Ehie, the former Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, lacked the legal authority to seek the charges’ dismissal.
Nevertheless, Justice Mobolaji Olajuwon emphasized that Ehie lacked the legal standing to submit such a request until he personally appears in court to enter a plea.
Ehie’s legal representative, Oluwole Aladedoye, contended that the charges were without merit and that the court lacked jurisdiction, citing the occurrence of alleged offenses in Port Harcourt. Aladedoye also asserted that Ehie had not been officially indicted.
In response, the prosecution, led by Senior Advocate of Nigeria Simon Lough, argued that Ehie couldn’t file any applications until after being arraigned, referencing Section 396 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act 2015.
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Justice Olajuwon concurred with the prosecution’s stance, highlighting that Ehie was merely listed as “at large” on the charge sheet and had not been formally included in the case. The judge recommended that Ehie either surrender to the police or appear in court for arraignment before making any further requests.
The charges involve five defendants – Chime Eguma Ezebalike, Prince Lukman Oladele, Kenneth Goodluck Kpasa, Osiga Donald, and Ochueja Thankgod.
They stand accused of invading, vandalizing, and setting fire to the Rivers State House of Assembly during a political crisis in October 2023.
The charges, filed under the Terrorism Prevention and Prohibition Act of 2022, carry significant penalties if convictions are secured.