Shaibu’s Legal Move Collapses – Obaseki, DSS Walk Free of Allegations

Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court in Abuja has dismissed a ₦50 billion fundamental rights enforcement suit filed by former Edo State Deputy Governor, Philip Shaibu, against former Governor Godwin Obaseki and four others.

The case was struck out on Monday following an application by Shaibu’s legal team to withdraw the suit, citing a peaceful resolution between the parties involved.

Shaibu’s lawyer, Anita Oteh, informed the court that the dispute had been amicably settled, prompting the request to discontinue the proceedings.

However, Aliyu Abdulkadir, counsel to the Attorney General of the Federation (the fourth defendant), expressed surprise at the claim of settlement, stating that his client was not aware of any such agreement. Despite this, he did not oppose the withdrawal but urged the court to dismiss the case entirely.

Oteh objected to the request for dismissal, asking instead for the court to allow a simple withdrawal.

In his ruling, Justice Lifu noted that since pleadings had already been exchanged, the proper course was to dismiss the matter.

“Given that issues have been joined, this suit is hereby dismissed in its entirety,” the judge declared.

The suit, filed on July 19, 2024, with case number FHC/ABJ/CS/914/2024, was initiated by Shaibu through his counsel, Egwuaba Reuben. The defendants listed included Governor Godwin Obaseki, the Inspector-General of Police, the DSS Director, the Attorney General of the Federation, and the Attorney General of Edo State.

Shaibu had sought ₦50 billion in compensation, alleging violations of his fundamental human rights.