A Federal High Court in Abuja has fixed October 24 for the hearing of a contempt charge filed by the reinstated Deputy Governor of Edo, Philip Shaibu, against Godwins Omobayo, over alleged refusal to obey court judgment.
Justice James Omotosho fixed the date after Shaibu’s counsel, Reuben Egwuaba, told the court that a contempt charge had been filed for the committal of Omobayo, who took over as deputy governor, to prison due to his refusal to comply with the valid order of the court.
Justice Omotosho also directed that Omobayo be served with all the court documents, including Form 49, filed on September 19 to be given the opportunity to purge himself of the contempt charge.
“This matter is hereby adjourned to 24th day of October for hearing of the motion on notice dated 13th September and filed 19th September seeking for committal of Engr Marvellous Godwins Omobayo and to give him opportunity to defend himself.
“I hereby made an order that the motion be served on Marvelous Godwins Omobayo to enable him file necessary defence ,” the judge said.
Earlier, Egwuaba prayed for a short adjournment since the current state government’s tenure would be coming to an end on Novrmber 12.
The lawyer said the court judgment delivered on July 17 was duly served on Omobayo and that several letters were also written to the House of Assembly but to no effect.
Justice Omotosho had also on Tuesday, struck out the two separate motions filed by the Edo Government and the House of Assembly challenging the reinstatement of Shaibu as deputy governor.
In a ruling, the Judge also awarded the cost of N200,000 each against the state government and the assembly.
The development followed an application by lawyer to the state’s Attorney-General, AG, Marvin Omorogbe, and that of the House of Assembly, Sonia Egbunia, seeking to withdraw the motions for stay of execution.
They said the intention to withdraw the motion was as a result of the records of appeal which had been transmitted to the Court of Appeal.