A Federal High Court in Makurdi presided over by Justice Raphael Egbe has signaled its readiness to impose sanctions on the Benue State Local Government Election Petition Tribunal if it is found to have violated a court injunction barring it from sitting outside the state to hear election petitions.
This warning came during a court session on Tuesday when the plaintiffs sought an extension of the interim injunction initially granted on March 7, 2025.
During proceedings meant for the hearing of the motion on notice for an interlocutory injunction, the plaintiffs were served with two motions for joinder from new applicants.
The plaintiffs’ counsel prepared to move the application but was met with opposition from O. N. Ayia Esq., representing the 4th and 6th-17th defendants (the Chief Judge and tribunal members), who informed the court that he had only been briefed on March 21 and needed more time to file responses.
H. Usha Esq. and L. U. Adah Esq., appearing for the applicants seeking to join the case, requested more time to serve their motions on the 1st-3rd and 5th defendants, who were absent
The plaintiffs’ counsel strongly opposed the adjournment requests, arguing that delays were being used to undermine the case and that the tribunal’s actions were already in violation of the injunction.
However, the court ruled that the applicants had a right to be heard first, adjourning the matter to April 9, 2025.
On the request for an extension of the interim injunction, the court clarified that the order remains in force until the motion on notice is heard, making an extension unnecessary.
Justice Egbe further emphasized that if evidence emerges proving the tribunal’s disobedience, the court will take decisive action to enforce compliance.
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