The Edo State High Court sitting in Benin City has ordered the Nigeria Police Force to produce a petition filed by two defendants in a defamation suit instituted by Mr Ehigie Osahon.
The court, presided over by Justice Oviaghele George of Court 9, gave the order on Friday while ruling on an application seeking the production of the petition, which forms the subject of the dispute.
The suit, marked B/202/2026, is between Osahon as the claimant and Mr Osaretin Osegbowa and Miss Ndidi Osegbowa as defendants.
At the hearing, Chief H.I.R. Ihensekhien, leading Douglas Ogbankwa, appeared for the claimant, while Josh Ogbeide represented the defendants.
The claimant had filed a motion dated September 13, 2026, seeking an order compelling the police officer who investigated the petition to appear in court and produce the document.
Although counsel to the defendants, Ogbeide, did not oppose the application, he raised legal arguments for the court’s consideration. Ihensekhien subsequently responded to the issues raised.
After listening to both parties, Justice George granted the application and ordered the Assistant Inspector-General of Police or any officer under his authority to produce the petition allegedly submitted by Osegbowa and Ndidi Osegbowa.
The court directed that the document be brought before it to enable an examination of its contents and determine whether it contains allegations capable of constituting defamation against the claimant.
The order is expected to allow the court to examine the disputed petition as the case progresses.
The matter was adjourned until January 22, 2027, for further proceedings.