Justice Peter Lifu dismissed the case after Shaibu’s counsel, Anita Oteh, applied to withdraw it, citing an out-of-court settlement between parties.
The Federal High Court in Abuja has dismissed a ₦50 billion fundamental rights suit filed by former Edo Deputy Governor Philip Shaibu against ex-Governor Godwin Obaseki and others.
Justice Peter Lifu dismissed the case after Shaibu’s counsel, Anita Oteh, applied to withdraw it, citing an out-of-court settlement between parties.
Although counsel to the Attorney-General of the Federation, Aliyu Abdulkadir, said he was unaware of the settlement, he did not oppose the withdrawal but requested the court to dismiss the suit.
“In view of the fact that issues have been joined in this matter, this suit is hereby dismissed in its entirety,” Justice Lifu ruled.
Shaibu had sued for ₦50 billion in damages, alleging his unlawful removal as deputy governor and rights violations instigated by Obaseki.
The suit also sought a perpetual injunction and ₦100 million in legal costs.
Shaibu’s removal was previously reversed by Justice James Omotosho, who ruled the Edo Assembly’s impeachment action was illegal.