A Federal High Court in Abuja has scheduled a hearing for October 24 concerning a contempt charge brought by the reinstated Deputy Governor of Edo State, Philip Shaibu, against Godwins Omobayo.
This charge stems from Omobayo’s alleged failure to comply with a court judgment.
Justice James Omotosho announced the hearing date after Shaibu’s attorney, Reuben Egwuaba, informed the court about the contempt application seeking to hold Omobayo in contempt and potentially imprison him for defying the court’s valid order.
The judge directed that Omobayo be served with all pertinent court documents, including Form 49, which was filed on September 19. This will allow him the opportunity to address the contempt charge.
“This matter is hereby adjourned to the 24th of October for the hearing of the motion on notice dated September 13 and filed on September 19, which seeks the committal of Engr. Marvellous Godwins Omobayo, while also giving him a chance to defend himself,” the judge stated.
Earlier, Egwuaba requested a brief adjournment, noting that the current state government’s tenure concludes on November 12. He emphasized that the judgment delivered on July 17 had been properly served to Omobayo and that several attempts to resolve the matter through the House of Assembly had been ineffective.
Additionally, Justice Omotosho recently dismissed two separate motions filed by the Edo Government and the House of Assembly that challenged Shaibu’s reinstatement.
The judge imposed a cost of N200,000 on each party following their application to withdraw the motions, which was prompted by the transmission of appeal records to the Court of Appeal.
