Justice James Omotosho, who delivered the ruling on Wednesday overturned Shaibu’s impeachment by the Edo State House of Assembly.

The Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has reinstated the impeached Deputy Governor of Edo State, Philip Shaibu to his position.

Justice James Omotosho, who delivered the ruling on Wednesday overturned Shaibu’s impeachment by the Edo State House of Assembly.

Justice Omotosho ruled that his impeachment by the State Assembly was unlawful and unconstitutional. 

The judge emphasised that the impeachment violated the Constitution. Consequently, Shaibu has been reinstated.

The court also directed that he should receive his salaries and allowances dating back to April 2024 when he was removed from office.

However, in response to the court’s decision, the Edo State House of Assembly has appealed the judgment as it has filed a motion requesting a stay of execution pending the outcome of the appeal

The Edo State House of Assembly on April 8 impeached Shaibu after it adopted the report of a seven-member probe panel set up to probe allegations of gross misconduct against him.

The Assembly had accused Shaibu of leaking the state government’s secrets and committing perjury.

It also described Shaibu’s alleged offences as impeachable.

Shaibu’s impeachment came amid a prolonged rift between him and Governor Godwin Obaseki