Justice MA Hassan of the Abuja High Court has granted a restraining order and stay of proceedings in the criminal summons filed against the Speaker of the Coalition of Political Parties, Ikenga Ugochinyere.
The criminal summons was said to have been initiated by a Special Assistant (Special Duties) to Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo State, Chinasa Nwaneri.
The allegations contained in the summons were limited to the disclosure of alleged fraud by Ugochinyere in the electoral roll of the All Progressives Congress in 18 states, including Imo State.
In giving his ruling, Justice Hassan stayed further proceedings on the matter pending hearing of the judicial review petition filed by Ugochinyere.
A certified true copy of the judgment was obtained by The PUNCH on Thursday.
The judge granted leave to the applicant by way of a writ of certiorari, including an injunction directed against the respondents, either jointly or by agents, prohibiting further hearings or proceedings against the applicant in the Nze Chinasa matter. Nwaneri v Ugochinyere Ikeagwuonu, Case No. WZ6/CR/30/2022, or on facts forming the same subject matter of that case.
He also ordered that each of the defendants individually, jointly, or through their agents, be removed in respect of any matter the subject of which is the same as the suit.
Ugochinyere would also seek an award of the sum of N50m against the respondents jointly and severally only as general damages for the unlawful accusation, humiliation and embarrassment caused to the petitioner and his business.
The matter has been adjourned to January 3, 2023, for consideration of the matter.
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