A significant legal intervention has occurred in Rivers State, as the High Court in Port Harcourt issued an interim injunction protecting Edison Ehie, the Chief of Staff to the suspended state governor, from potential legal action by the Nigerian Police and the Department of State Services (DSS). This ruling comes in response to allegations made by Dr. George Nwaeke, the former Head of Service, which prompted concerns that Ehie could be subjected to unwarranted arrest or interrogation. The court’s decision underscores the delicate political climate in the state and the judiciary’s role in safeguarding individuals from potential abuse of power by security agencies.
The core of Justice I.P.C. Igwe’s ruling, as detailed in Suit No: PHC/1113/CS/2025, centers around preventing the police and DSS from inviting, demanding the appearance of, harassing, intimidating, arresting, or detaining Edison Ehie. The injunction specifically addresses allegations related to the alleged arson that occurred at the Rivers State House of Assembly on October 29, 2023. The court’s order explicitly prohibits any actions by the security agencies based on statements made by Dr. George Nwaeke on or around March 27, 2025, or any subsequent related statements. This directive ensures that Ehie is protected from any potential repercussions stemming from these specific accusations.
Furthermore, the court granted Ehie permission to serve legal documents to the respective police and DSS offices in Abuja. This authorization allows Ehie to formally initiate legal proceedings against the Inspector-General of Police, the Commissioner of Police in Rivers State, the Nigeria Police Force, the Police Service Commission, the Director-General of the DSS, and the Rivers State DSS Director. The ruling outlines the specific addresses for these agencies, facilitating the service of the Writ of Summons and other relevant legal processes. This procedural step is crucial for Ehie to pursue his legal rights and seek redress against the actions of these security agencies. In essence, the court has established a temporary shield for Ehie, pending a full hearing on the matter, ensuring that his legal rights are protected during this period of heightened political tension.
In ensuring the efficient and legally sound delivery of crucial legal documents to the relevant authorities located outside the court’s immediate jurisdiction, the judge issued a specific directive regarding the service of the Writ of Summons and accompanying processes. Recognizing that the police and DSS headquarters are situated in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory, which falls beyond the Rivers State High Court’s usual territorial reach, the court mandated that these documents be served using a “concurrent writ.” This procedural mechanism, explicitly sanctioned by Section 98 of the Sheriffs and Civil Procedures Act, allows for the service of legal documents across different jurisdictions, ensuring that all parties involved are duly notified of the proceedings. This step is vital for upholding the principles of fairness and due process, guaranteeing that the defendants are properly informed and have the opportunity to respond to the legal challenge.
Furthermore, acknowledging the need for a reliable and verifiable method of document delivery, the court granted Edison Ehie permission to serve the Writ of Summons and other relevant processes through a “substituted means,” specifically by utilizing the services of Red Star Express Courier Service. This decision reflects the court’s pragmatic approach to ensuring that the documents reach their intended recipients promptly and securely. Ehie was instructed to provide the court with evidence of both the posting and delivery of these processes, which serves as crucial documentation for the record. This ensures transparency and accountability in the delivery process, preventing any disputes regarding the service of the legal documents.
To maintain the integrity of the legal proceedings and prevent any actions that could potentially prejudice the outcome of the case, the court issued a clear directive to all parties involved. This directive mandated that all parties maintain the “status quo ante litem,” meaning the existing state of affairs as it existed on March 30, 2025, pending the hearing of the Motion on Notice for Interlocutory Injunction. This order effectively freezes the situation, preventing any unilateral actions by any party that could alter the circumstances or influence the court’s eventual decision. By preserving the status quo, the court aims to ensure that the legal proceedings are conducted on a level playing field, without any undue advantage or disadvantage to any party.
As a condition for granting the interim injunction, the court imposed a financial requirement on Edison Ehie, demanding that he provide a financial guarantee in the form of a N2 million undertaking. This financial bond serves as a form of security for the defendants, protecting them from potential financial losses or damages that could arise if Ehie’s substantive motion is ultimately deemed to be frivolous or lacking in legal merit. Essentially, this requirement acts as a safeguard, ensuring that the defendants are not unduly burdened by a baseless legal challenge. It also serves as a deterrent against frivolous litigation, promoting responsible and well-founded legal actions.
The court rescheduled the case to April 30, 2025, to address the request for an interim injunction.
