……landmark victory for Chief Victor Ike Oye and INEC National Chairman as contempt proceedings cease
By Wole Adedoyin
In a pivotal legal development, the contentious judgment delivered by Hon. Justice M. A Madugu of the FCT High Court has been decisively overturned by the Court of Appeal. The court’s ruling, dated 14th December, 2023, marks the culmination of a protracted legal battle in which Justice Madugu ultimately yielded to the superior authority of the Court of Appeal.
The controversy stemmed from the persistent assertions of Edozie Njoku and associates, who vociferously proclaimed that Chief Victor Oye and the INEC chairman would face imprisonment for alleged contempt of court. Notably, these claims were vehemently refuted, as it was evident that both individuals had not violated any court orders during the conduct of the congresses and National convention of APGA.
The intervention of the Court of Appeal on November 28, 2023, proved instrumental in reining in Justice Madugu, compelling him to suspend all pending contempt proceedings against Chief Victor Oye and the INEC National Chairman until the resolution of the ongoing appeal.
Today’s ruling by Justice Madugu, acknowledging the authority of the Court of Appeal, culminated in the suspension of the contempt proceedings, with the matter adjourned indefinitely. Justice Madugu, emphasising his duty as a judicial officer to adhere to superior court orders, remarked, “On all fronts and at this juncture, I must drop my pen to await the outcome of the Court of Appeal, lest I commit judicial suicide.”
Observers noted that Edozie Njoku and supporters left the court in ignominy, while Counsel to Chief Victor Ike Oye and APGA’s National Legal Adviser, Bar. Victor Agunzi, expressed gratitude to Justice Madugu. Agunzi proclaimed, “The ruling today signifies victory for the respect of the rule of law,” urging Justice Madugu to consistently administer justice in future proceedings.
Members of APGA present in court celebrated the collapse of Edozie Njoku’s alleged mischief and shenanigans, hailing it as a triumph for the rule of law. With today’s ruling, Justice Madugu’s judgment has been metaphorically decapitated, leaving Edozie Njoku and associates in legal limbo.
In light of this development, Chief Victor Ike Oye and the INEC National Chairman have been vindicated by both the law and truth. The APGA New Media extended hearty congratulations to them, recognising the resilience of justice in upholding the principles of fairness and legality.
