Court nullifies Philip Shaibu’s impeachment, orders reinstatement

A federal high court in Abuja has nullified the removal of Philip Shaibu as deputy governor of Edo state.

In a judgment delivered on Wednesday, James Omotosho, presiding judge, held that Shaibu’s impeachment violated the provisions of the law.

The court declared that Shaibu’s ouster on April 8, 2024, by the Edo state house of assembly was politically motivated.

Consequently, the judge ordered his reinstatement.

The court also ordered the inspector-general of police to immediately restore the plaintiff’s security.

Omotosho further ordered that Shaibu’s salaries and allowances — from April when he was impeached — should be paid to him.

The impeachment was undertaken after the house adopted the report of a seven-member investigative panel.

The panel was set up by Daniel Okungbowa, chief judge of Edo, and was headed by S. A. Omonuwa, a retired justice.

Shaibu was accused of “misconduct, perjury and disclosure of government secrets”.

Shaibu had fallen out with Godwin Obaseki, governor of the state, before the impeachment.