Court Reaffirms Order To Provide Security For Kogi SDP Candidate

Justice Inyang Ekwo of the Federal High Court in Abuja, on Friday reaffirmed his
order on security agencies in the country to provide maximum security to the candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), in the forthcoming governorship election in Kogi State, Mr Murtala Ajaka.

Justice Ekwo reaffirmed the order at the commencement of hearing in the suit instituted by Ajaka against the Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello and others.

The judge warned that since all the parties have submitted themselves before the court, they should not take steps to jeopardize the trial at the court.

Ajaka had dragged Kogi governor to court over alleged threat to his life and members of his family.

Before commencement of trial he had on July 11, brought an exparte application praying the court to restrain security agencies from arresting, inviting, detaining or threatening the applicant’s life and property pending the hearing and determination of the substantive suit.

Before adjourning to July 21 for hearing, the court ordered the applicant to serve the respondents with all the processes in the suit together with the Order of Court.

Ajaka, had earlier petitioned the IG, Mr Olukayode Egbetokun over alleged threat to his life and members of his family by the Kogi State governor.

In the petition dated July 12 and written on his behalf by his lawyer, Chief Femi Falana, the SDP candidate accused Bello of using his executive powers to launch series of violent attacks on him, his political party and teeming supporters.

Falana had in the petition called on the Police to intervene and accord Ajaka the constitutional protection of his right to vote and be voted for.

Justice Ekwo subsequently adjourned further hearing to September 21.

Garry Ochigbo, Edited By Grace Namiji