News

N5 Billion Libel Suit: Four Years After, Ex-Edo APC Chair, Imuse, Petitions CJ, Wants ‘De Novo’ Trial

Published

1 year ago

August 19, 2024

Editor

…As claimant, 2nd, 3rd defendants describe move as unprofessional

A new twist has been introduced to the N5 billion libel suit instituted by the former Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) for Akwa Ibom State, Mr. Mike Igini, against the immediate past Edo State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Col. David Imuse (Rtd), over the latter’s claim at a press conference that Igini was seen in Benin city collecting money from Governor Godwin Obaseki to rig the September 2020 governorship election in the state.

The new twist, which the lawyers to the claimant and other two defendants in the matter said to be in realms of the confirmation of the aphorism that “Justice delayed is justice denied”, is the new petition written by Imuse, through his counsel, Austin Osenrokon, to the Edo State Chief Judge (CJ), Justice Daniel Okungbowa, to order the case to start de novo, following the transfer of the presiding judge, Justice Vestee Eboreime, from the Benin division of the Edo State High Court to the Okada Division.

Imuse’s latest petition is coming four years after the case opened and the claimant and the two co defendants: African Newspapers of Nigeria Plc, Publishers of the Tribune Titles, and the Sun Newspaper, who are 2nd and 3rd defendants respectively, had opend and closed their defences.

The office of the Edo CJ had since been flooded with letters from the Claimant, Igini, and the two Co-defendants, drawing the attention of the Chief Judge and appealing to him not to grant the unwarranted request of Col. Imuse’s call for starting “de novo” (meaning start over again) of the N5 billion libel suit that had been on for four years when the Claimant, lgini had closed his case

The lawyers pointed out the hardship that such a request (de novo), if granted, would have on them in terms of the huge financial cost they had incurred already such as hotel expenses and traveling cost from Oyo and Enugu States respectively, whenever the matter came up in Benin.

They drew attention to the fact that the 1st defendant and counsel resides in Benin and that the numerous adjournments that this case had suffered were orchestrated by the 1st defendant lawyer whose only aim is to frustrate the case from going on.

According to the Claimant lawyer, for three years, Col. Imuse (Rtd) refused to file a defence and waited for the claimant, lgini to close his case before filing his defence and raised further allegations that the Claimant needed to be recalled to clarify.

However, the move to recall the Claimant was opposed by Imuse and arguments were taken and ruling slated for July 16, 2024, Imuse to open his defence.

Surprisingly Imuse lawyer Osenrokon stood up and wanted to arrest the ruling, arguing that the Judge could no longer preside over the matter having been transferred to Okada Division.

The learned counsel to Igini, Clement Onwewunor (SAN), countered the argument with recent Supreme Court authority that Edo High Court is one and that the 1979 old authority cited had to do with elevation of a Judge to a higher court and even at that, such elevation must have been gazetted before such a judge could be precluded from handling cases from the previous court of elevation.

The SAN further argued that the trial judge in this case was never elevated to Appeal Court, but a routine administrative transfer that had no effect on this case and could not be a reason for the 1st defendant not opening his defence and that the judge was covered by the warrant of the CJ.

The court ruled that it was covered by the CJ warrant and went ahead to deliver its ruling whether Igini could be recalled by his lawyer to clarify new allegations raised by Col. Imuse in his statement of defence not filed and served the Claimant until after lgini had closed his case.

The court ruled that it was only fair and just for the Claimant to be recalled by his lawyer to the witness box to clarify the issues raised in the 1st defendant statement of defence that was not served the Claimant and had no opportunity of responding to the new issue raised before he closed his case.

Immediately after the ruling Col. Imuse lawyer rose up and told the court that he would not participate in the proceeding because of the ruling recalling the Claimant until further instruction by his Client (Col. Imuse.)

The proceedings went on with the Claimant recalled and answered two questions from his lawyer and was discharged and thereafter both the 2nd defendant (Tribune) and 3rd defendant (Sun) opened their defences by calling witnesses that were crossed examined by the lawyer of Claimant, lgini as well as Col. Imuse lawyer, who crossed examined his co-defendants witnesses and both 2nd and 3rd defendants closed their cases that day and only 1st defendant was left to open his defense for the next adjourned date of August 2, 2024, that was overtaken by the national protest.

While counsel were waiting for a new date, information filtered in that Col. Imuse and his lawyer had written another petition like the previously dismissed one by the immediate past CJ, to the current CJ against the trial judge over this case as he had done in 2022. But this time seeking a “de novo trial” after four years of his inability to defend his libelous allegations and never appeared in court in person.

Again, as in the previous petition, seeking the removal of the trial Judge over admissibility of pleaded and relevant documents duly certified, the counsel to Imuse did not copy other parties in the matter.

The office of the then CJ copied all Counsel involved in the matter and were able to respond to the lies and fabrications made against the trial judge about whom they had boasted of enjoying favourable support to frustrate the case because the Judge is of Esan speaking ethnic group with Col. Imuse.

Though Imuse filed an appeal against the ruling, he failed to pursue it; instead, he would rather have the trial Judge, who had indulged him so much, perhaps, to avoid accusation of bias to the extent that a motion for extension of time to file a defence after three years was granted without actual copy of statement of defence attached to the motion, and no evidence of filing fees receipt, yet it was granted despite the opposition of the Claimant’s lawyer, removed from handling the matter. he same Trial judge

The latest move is to use the office of the respected CJ, Justice Okungbowa, to have the matter commenced over again to frustrate the case because the Claimant was recalled to clarify new allegations col. Imuse raised in his defence deliberately filed after Barr. Mike lgini had closed his case. Instead of appealing the ruling, Col. Imuse wants the matter to start all over again by writing a petition to the Chief Judge to use the recent posting of judges to frustrate the matter.

Responding to the new dangerous twist in the libel suit instituted to frustrate the case after four years, the 3d defendant lawyer’s petition to the CJ accused Col. Imuse of causing deliberate delay of this case saying, “It is due to the antics of the counsel to the first defendant that his client has not given evidence up till date when the Claimant, the 2nd and 3rd defendants have all closed their cases.”

Continuing the 3d defendant (SUN Newspaper) stated thus “For the four years this matter has been pending, l have not set my eyes on the 1st defendant. He has not appeared in court in these four years during proceedings.”

Also in his response to the latest petition, counsel to the 2nd Defendant (Tribune), Edema Femi Jarrett, said, “For a counsel who had been in the matter ab initio to just wake up overnight and demand for a de novo trial is totally unacceptable to us as such application lacks no human feelings, lacks no merit, lacks no justifiable ground and above all, is pure abuse of court process.”

News

Edo SSG Calls On Media To Support Govt Policies, Assures Better Welfare

Published

2 hours ago

December 18, 2025

Editor

L-R: Government House Public Relations Officer (PRO); Chief Press Secretary to Governor Monday Okpebholo, Patrick Ebojele, Ph.D; Secretary to Edo State Government, Musa Ikhilor; Special Adviser to Governor Monday Okpebholo, Mr. Paul Ezewon during the courtesy visit.

The Secretary to the Edo State Government (SSG), Umar Musa Ikhilor, has called on members of the media to continue to support government policies and programmes through objective, professional and balanced reportage, describing them as critical stakeholders in governance.

Ikhilor made the call while receiving members of the Governor’s Press Crew, Edo State Government House, led by the Chief Press Secretary, Ebojele Akhere Patrick, PhD, who paid him a courtesy visit in his office as part of the season’s greetings.

Responding, Ikhilor expressed gratitude for the gesture, noting that it was thoughtful and symbolic.

According to him, the media plays an indispensable role in governance and public accountability.

He said, “Whatever it is that we do, it still will not matter much if we do not have you guys to be our eyes and our ears to report some of those things so that Edo people will be aware and people globally will be aware, and that is where you come in very important.”

The SSG further emphasized the strategic role of journalists, describing them as the fourth estate of the realm.

Ikhilor stated, “Because without the press, the government is blind, deaf and dumb. You are the ones we can see with and you are the ones we can hear with and talk with as well. So we consider you very critical stakeholders in the affairs of governance. That is the sincere sentiment of the government,”

He acknowledged the challenges faced by the media, particularly poor working conditions, and assured that the government was aware and already taking steps to address them.

He said, “Your working conditions have not been the best one would have expected. These are some of the things we have made recommendations to His Excellency the Governor, and he has promised from next year, after this budget by January, with a new budget that is coming, there will be something substantial to cater for the media.”

Explaining the initial constraints of the administration, Ikhilor noted that spending was limited by budgetary provisions inherited at the time the government assumed office.

He explained, “When we came in, we met a budget already prepared. We just tried and tinkered with it to pass it as at then November–December. Once you don’t have an appropriation, you can’t spend. That would be a criminal offence,”

The SSG urged journalists to remain professional and committed to truth, regardless of circumstances.

He said, “Your responsibility as a journalist, your first training, your first duty, is the pursuit of truth wherever you find it. Reporting should not be based on a special relationship. Professionalism actually means you are consistent and you deliver, whether the day is good or the day is bad.”

He encouraged the media to continue to support government policies and programmes through accurate and diligent reporting, stressing the importance of teamwork in effective communication.

Commending the press crew, Ikhilor added, “I have seen exceptional reports from a lot of reporters here. Our camera men have done very well in terms of proper coverage. Everybody needs to work together as a team for the story to come alive and for the story to be complete.”

Earlier, while presenting a gift on behalf of the team to the SSG in appreciation of his leadership and support, the Chief Press Secretary, Ebojele Akhere Patrick, PhD, said, “In the spirit of the season, I present this to you on behalf of the Governor’s Press Crew in appreciation of your effort as the engine room of government.”

News

Forest Reserve: Okpebholo Broker Peace Between Host Communities, Investors

Published

14 hours ago

December 17, 2025

Editor

Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo state on Wednesday brokered peace between host communities and investors on the use of government forest reserve land for agricultural purposes and investors.

The governor, who was represented by his deputy, Hon Dennis Idahosa, appealed to the various stakeholders to always tow the line of peace at all times

Okpebholo noted that by virtue of the Land Use Act, the land in dispute belongs to the Edo state government.

The governor blamed activities of the previous administration of the state for the hostility between the investors and the host communities over the land that spreads across Ovia South West and Ovia North East Local Government Areas.

He accused the previous administration of arbitrarily allocating the said forest reserve to investors to without due consultation with host communities of Iguomon, Egbetta and Usen.

He stated that the meeting with stakeholders became expedient in order to straighten out facts and restrategize.

“We had three investors that want to invest in oil palm production in the council areas, which is in line with the vision of Governor Monday Okpebholo to turn the state into investment heaven.

“Today, we met with the critical stakeholders of Ovia South West and Ovia North East to ensure all interests are captured.

“The investors were here, the community leaders, led by the Elawure of Usen, Oba Wilson Oluogbe II, and Palace Chiefs all came.

“Initially, a 5 percent buffer was proposed by the previous administration, but based on the conversation we had today, the investors agreed to increase to 10 percent.

“Haven put into consideration that Ovia is an agrarian area, with 80 percent of people relying on subsistence farming for survival,” he stated.

Okpebholo maintained that part of the resolution involved the raising of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) by investors with their host communities to keep all parties involved in decision making.

IHe declared, “Our administration is people oriented. The interest of investors are paramount to us as well as the interest of our people.”

The Secretary to the Edo State Government (SSG), Musa Ikhilor stated that before the said land allocation to investors, the previous administration was supposed to have carried out diligent studies and a NEEDS assessment in relations to the communities.

He said basic steps ought to have been followed, such as meetings with Community Development Associations (CDA) with agreements reached on community development.

Historically, Ikhilor said Usen community started as a farm stead hence the need to carry such a community along in decision making on issues that affect their means of livelihood.

He further encouraged investors to engage in Corporate Social rlResponsibility (CSR) acts as well as put in place activities that promote job creation and general welfare of their host.

The Elawure of Usen, Oba Wilson Oluogbe II praised the Edo State Government for its intervention.

He appealed for communities to be carried along when critical decisions are being made, especially on issues that affect their livelihood.

The investors, included: Nimbel Shaw Limited; Professional Support Farms Limited and Steve Integrated Limited, commended Edo state government for the peaceful resolution of the matter.

News

Trump Places Nigeria, 14 Others On Partial Travel Restrictions To US

Published

1 day ago

December 17, 2025

Editor

The United States has partially suspended the issuance of immigrant and non-immigrant visas to Nigeria and 14 other countries, citing concerns on radical Islamic terrorist groups such as Boko Haram and the Islamic State operating freely in certain parts of the West African country.

Specifically, the classes of visas affected include the B-1, B-2, B-1/B-2, F, M, and J Visas.

President Donald J. Trump, on Monday, signed a proclamation expanding and strengthening entry restrictions on nationals from countries with demonstrated, persistent, and severe deficiencies in screening, vetting, and information-sharing to protect the country from national security and public safety threats.

The United States also cited the Overstay Report, noting that Nigeria had a B-1/B-2 visa overstay rate of 5.56 per cent and an F, M, and J visa overstay rate of 11.90 per cent.

The Proclamation includes exceptions for lawful permanent residents, existing visa holders, certain visa categories like athletes and diplomats, and individuals whose entry serves U.S. national interests. It narrows broad family-based immigrant visa carve-outs that carry demonstrated fraud risks, while preserving case-by-case waivers.

While the proclamation continues the full restrictions and entry limitations of nationals from the original 12 high-risk countries established under Proclamation 10949: Afghanistan, Burma, Chad, Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen, it adds full restrictions and entry limitations on 5 additional countries based on recent analysis: Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger, South Sudan, and Syria.

On October 31, the U.S. President Trump redesignated Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern (CPC)” for the persecution of Christians by violent Islamic groups.

In a Truth Social post, Trump hinted that the US will immediately stop all aid and assistance to Nigeria and may very well go into the country, “guns-a-blazing,” and that the military intervention “will be fast, vicious, and sweet, just like the terrorist thugs attack our cherished Christians.

In his first term, President Trump imposed travel restrictions that restricted entry from several countries with inadequate vetting processes or that posed significant security risks.

The Supreme Court upheld the travel restrictions put in place in the prior Administration, ruling that it “is squarely within the scope of Presidential authority” and noting that it is “expressly premised on legitimate purposes”—namely, “preventing entry of nationals who cannot be adequately vetted and inducing other nations to improve their practices.”

Trump in recent weeks has used increasingly loaded languages in denouncing African-origin immigrants.

At a rally last week he said that the United States was only taking people from “shithole countries” and instead should seek immigrants from Norway and Sweden.

In June 2025, President Trump restored the travel restrictions from his first term, incorporating an updated assessment of current global screening, vetting, and security risks.