The Federal High Court in Port Harcourt, presided over by Hon. Justice Phoebe Ayuba, has adjourned the hearing on contempt charges filed against the Federal Government by Ekere Pya Ogoni Initiative (EPOI) until July 19, 2023. The group has sought a judicial review and the issuance of Form 48 against the Minister of Environment, Minister of State for Environment, the Attorney General of the Federation, and the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) over their alleged non-compliance with a court order.
EPOI, represented by its counsel F.D. Biiragbara, filed a contempt suit urging the court to issue a mandamus order, compelling the Federal Government and the CBN to explain why they should not be held in contempt. The group alleges that the respondents failed to disclose, release, or provide the information requested in letters dated November 23, 2022, and December 12, 2022, as directed by a previous court order.
On February 15, 2023, EPOI obtained a court order from the Federal High Court, instructing the respondents to maintain the status quo and suspend the planned flag-off of the Ogoni power project and other related activities. The charge seeks to preserve the existing state of affairs until the court has had the opportunity to hear and determine the case.
The charge filed by EPOI requests an order for the maintenance of the status quo ante bellum, preventing any interference with the subject matter of the case until its hearing and determination. Additionally, it seeks to suspend the planned flag-off of the project until the court has reached a decision. The court has expressed readiness to expedite the hearing process.
The Federal High Court in Port Harcourt has adjourned the hearing on the contempt charges brought against the Federal Government by Ekere Pya Ogoni Initiative (EPOI) regarding the Ogoni Power Project. EPOI has sought a judicial review and mandamus order to address the alleged non-compliance with a previous court order by the respondents. The court order directed the respondents to disclose and release requested information while maintaining the status quo and suspending the project’s flag-off. The outcome of the hearing on July 19, 2023, will shed further light on the resolution of the case.
