Court voids Philip Shaibu’s impeachment as Edo deputy gov

Philip Shaibu

A Federal High Court in Abuja has nullified the impeachment of Philip Shaibu as the deputy governor of Edo State.

Justice James Omotosho, in his ruling on Wednesday, ordered that Shaibu be reinstated to office because the Edo State House of Assembly failed to comply with due process in impeaching him.

The court held that the allegation on which the House of Assembly based the impeachment proceedings was untenable in law and did not constitute gross misconduct.

He ordered the Inspector General of Police to provide him with needed security to enable him to resume office and perform the functions of the office until the end of his tenure.

Justice Omotosho also set aside the appointment of the new deputy governor who replaced Shaibu.

Edo State House of Assembly impeached Shaibu who has been in a running battle with Governor Godwin Obaseki over succession, on April 8, 2024.

The assembly’s decision followed the adoption of the report of the seven-man investigative panel set up by the state chief judge to probe allegations of misconduct against Shaibu.