The Enugu State High Court has issued an interim injunction restraining the Nigeria Police Force and other respondents from harassing, arresting, detaining, or inviting Jerry Patrick Onuokaibe, Mr. Kenneth Igbudu, and Mr. Obinna Okonkwo in relation to the ongoing chieftaincy dispute in Mburubu Community, Nkanu East Local Government Area of Enugu State.
Additionally, the court has halted any selection, election, or eligibility process for the traditional stool of Mburubu Community by the Mburubu Town Union, the Enugu State Government, or any other stakeholders without the active participation of the plaintiffs.
The order, issued on February 27, 2025, by Justice C.A. Ogbuabor (PhD), followed an ex-parte application filed by the plaintiffs through their legal counsel, Sir K. Olemeforo.
In suit E/195/2025, the plaintiffs sought protection against what they described as intimidation, harassment, arbitrary arrest, and unlawful actions by certain interest groups allegedly attempting to influence the selection process of the traditional ruler in Mburubu.
The 1st to 8th defendants in the case include the Nigeria Police Force, the Inspector General of Police, the Commissioner of Police Enugu State, and other police officials.
The 9th to 11th defendants include Hon. Emmanuel Edeh (sued in both his personal capacity and as a representative of the Mburubu Town Union), the Commissioner for Chieftaincy Affairs and Rural Development, and the Attorney General of Enugu State.
After reviewing the plaintiffs’ submissions, the court granted the following orders:
- The 1st to 8th defendants, including the Nigeria Police Force, are restrained from arresting, inviting, or detaining the plaintiffs based on any complaint made by Hon. Emmanuel Edeh or any party acting on his behalf.
- The 9th, 10th, and 11th defendants, including the Mburubu Town Union, the Commissioner for Chieftaincy Affairs, and the Attorney General of Enugu State, are barred from proceeding with any process aimed at determining eligibility or electing a traditional ruler in Mburubu Community without the plaintiffs’ involvement.
Justice Ogbuabor underscored the importance of due process, fairness, and transparency in the selection of traditional rulers, warning that any attempt to bypass legal procedures could escalate the crisis in the community.
The case has been adjourned to May 13, 2025, for the hearing of the Originating Summons, during which the court will deliberate on the substantive issues.
