An High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has ordered security agencies in the country to provide protection for the Spokesperson of the Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP), Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere, over imminent threat to his life.
Justice Eleojo Enenche gave the order while delivering ruling on an ex-parte application brought before the Court over failed assassination attempts on Ugochinyere’s life as well as alleged planned invasion of his home in Akokwa in Imo State by agents of the state government.
Recall that Ugochinyere is a candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for Ideato North/South federal constituency of Imo State in Saturday’s general elections.
Recall that his house in Akokwa was recently invaded by gunmen and properties worth millions of naira were destroyed in the process and some persons killed.
In the motion ex-parte marked: M/4710/2023, filed and argued by his lawyer, Mr. P. O. Abang, the applicant had urged the court to order the security agencies to protect his life as well as property pending the hearing of the substantive suit marked FCT/HC/CV/2328/2023.
He had in the motion dated February 13, alleged threat to his life and destruction of his properties amongst others.
Delivering ruling in the motion on February 16, whose certified true copy ( CTC) was sighted
on Thursday, Justice Enenche directed the concerned security agencies which are respondents in the motion to forthwith provide Ugochinyere with necessary security.
“Upon reading the Motion Ex-Parte dated 13/02/2023 brought pursuant to Section 33, 34, 35 (35) (1), 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41(1) and 46(1) Constitution of the Federel Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (As Amended); and the African Charter on Human and Peoples Rights (Ratification and Enforcement) Act, and under the inherent Jurisdiction of the Honourable Court, and after considering the eight-paragraph Affidavit deposed by David Ayandare, praying for the following:
“An order of Injunction mandating and directing the 1st to 5th Respondents whether by themselves officers, agents, servants, privies to provide security in view of the imminent threat to the life of the Applicant and the continued use of the machineries of state to further harass, intimidate, arrest, detain and incarcerate the Applicant, pending the hearing and determination of the substantive originating Motion on Notice.
“And upon hearing P. O. Abang, counsel for the Applicant, “An order is hereby made directing the inspector General of Police to, within 24 hours take measures that are necessary to ensure the protection of the life and property of the Applicant. Where this is not done within 24 hours, the 1 – 5 Respondents are hereby Ordered to step in and provide the needed security pending the determination of the substantive action,” he prayed the court.
Meanwhile, the court also made another order for accelerated hearing and determination of the main suit and subsequently fixed February 27, for hearing of the matter.
The respondents include: State Security Service, Chief of Defence Staff, Nigeria Army, Nigeria Airforce, Nigeria Navy, Nigeria Police Force, Inspector General of Police and Commissioner of Police.
