The Nigeria Police has declared Edison Ehie, the Chief of Staff to the Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, and 5 others wanted over their alleged involvement in the burning of the Rivers State House of Assembly Complex and allegations of m*rder and terrorism.
Their warrant of arrest is contained in a publication of the police gazette and it comes after a Federal High Court sitting in Abuja on Friday, declined striking out the terrorism charges brought against Ehie and the other 5 allies of the Governor.
The court ruled that Ehie, who also served as the factional Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, did not possess the legal authority to seek the dismissal of the charges.
Justice Olajuwon upheld the argument presented by the counsel to the Inspector General of Police, IGP, Simon Lough, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, asserting that Ehie was not yet competent to make any application until he appeared in court to enter his plea in the terrorism charges.
Speaking through his lawyer, Oluwole Aladedoye (SAN), Ehie sought to have the criminal charges against him and others dropped on various grounds.
He stated that the Federal High Court in Abuja lacked jurisdiction to oversee the trial as the alleged offenses were committed in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
He added that the Police had not formally charged him for any offense.
His request was however, rejected on the basis that he had not appeared before the court to enter his plea.
The police lawyer referenced Section 396 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act ACJA 2015.
In a concise ruling, Olajuwon rejected the former Speaker’s request and supported the arguments presented by the IGP.
The Judge noted that the charge sheet only indicated that Ehie is at large and has not been listed on the charge as required by law.
However, the Police published gazette shared by PM news shows the photographs of Ehie and the other wanted suspects online.
