The Edo State High Court in Benin City, on Monday, sat on a suit filed by a human rights activist, Curtis Eghosa Ugbo, against the All Progressives Congress National Working Committee, the APC Edo State Working Committee, and the State Secretary, Lawrence Okah, over alleged tenure violation, has been adjourned to May 22, 2026, for ruling on a preliminary objection.
The plaintiff, Curtis Ugbo, is contending that the State Secretary, Lawrence Okah, has remained in office beyond the tenure permitted by the party’s constitution.
However, the plaintiff was allegedly beaten up by thugs loyal to the defendant.
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The case, presided over by Honourable Justice Mary Asemota at Court 7 of the Edo State High Court, saw counsel to both parties present arguments on the competence of the suit.
Counsel to the plaintiff, Matthew Edeghase, maintained that the claimant, Curtis Ugbo, as a concerned party member, approached the court to prevent what was described as illegality within the party, urging the court to proceed to hear the substantive case.
On his part, counsel to the defendants, Ehigie West-Idahosa, SAN, informed the court that a notice of preliminary objection dated March 10, 2026, had been filed challenging the jurisdiction of the court to entertain the matter.
Barrister Idahosa told the court that the claimant, in his processes, admitted he was not personally affected but was making a case on behalf of other party members, arguing that this undermines his legal standing.
After listening to submissions from both sides, Hon Justice Mary adjourned the matter to May 22, 2026, for ruling on the preliminary objection.
Counsel to the defendants, Barrister Ehigie West-Idahosa, said that if the preliminary objection is upheld, the case would be dismissed in its entirety without proceeding to trial.
“We have submitted our submission and the judge has held us and decided to adhoun on the Rulling and if is to our favor the case will be automatically dismissed.”
Counsel to the plaintiff, Matthew Edeghase, said both parties have been heard, but expressed concern over the alleged attack on his client within the court premises, noting he would bring the issue to the attention of the presiding judge.
“We actually deposited our submission and the judge is expected to rule on it but we are pained that thugs came around and beat up my client which is against the dictates of what the judiciary stands for.”
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