A High Court 1 in Abakaliki has granted a restraining order to prevent the police from arresting Bernard Odoh, the gubernatorial candidate of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), for the murder of Umuezeokoha traditional ruler, Igboke Ewa. The deceased, who was the Chairman of Ezza Traditional Rulers and from Omege Village in Umuezeokaoha, Ezza North Local Government Area of Ebonyi, was assassinated at his palace on February 27.
Justice Elvis Ngene gave the order on Friday and also directed the police to carry out a thorough and independent investigation into the matter before making any arrests. The judge stated that if Odoh or anyone else is found guilty of the crime, they should be arrested.
The police had declared the APGA gubernatorial candidate wanted after some members of his family filed a petition against him. The court ruling has, however, put a hold on that process for now.
Counsel to Odoh, C.K. Okorie, raised concerns about the court's jurisdiction to hear the application.
Meanwhile, counsel to the family of the deceased, Chinedu Igboke, expressed his intention to appeal the court's decision on the matter.
Collins Igboke, the son of the late traditional ruler, had initiated the legal process against Odoh, the Commissioner of Police, Ebonyi Command, and the Inspector General of Police.
The restraining order has come as a relief to the APGA candidate and his supporters, who had been worried about the possibility of his arrest.
However, it remains to be seen what the outcome of the investigation will be and whether or not there will be any further legal action taken.
The murder of Igboke Ewa has been a source of concern for many in the area, with calls for the police to ensure that justice is served. The court's decision to order an independent investigation into the matter has been welcomed by many, as it is hoped that it will lead to a fair and just resolution.
The ruling by Justice Ngene has been seen as a victory for the rule of law, as it demonstrates that the judiciary is willing to act as a check on the power of the police and ensure that due process is followed.
The APGA candidate has not yet issued a statement on the court ruling, but his supporters have expressed their satisfaction with the decision. They have also called for a speedy and thorough investigation into the murder, so that those responsible can be brought to justice.
The case has attracted a lot of attention in Ebonyi and beyond, with many people closely following developments and awaiting the outcome of the investigation. The court's decision to restrain the police from making any arrests for the time being has only added to the intrigue surrounding the case.
As the investigation proceeds, it is likely that there will be more twists and turns in the case, and it remains to be seen what the final outcome will be. For now, however, the court's decision has provided some respite for Odoh and his supporters, who can breathe a little easier knowing that he will not be arrested at this time.