A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has adjourned till October 5, a fundamental right enforcement suit before it filed by former governor of Rivers State Dr. Peter Odili, to enable the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) appear in the matter.
Odili had dragged the NIS and its comptroller general before the court over the seizure of his passport at the Nnamd Azikwe International Airport in Abuja for undisclosed reasons.
Odili prayed the court to compel the two respondents to release the passport to him as well as order perpetual injunction against the respondents from further harassing, embarrassing, intimidating or interfering with his fundamental rights to freedom of movement.
The former governor also demanded a written apology for the embarrassment caused him by the immigration agency.
However, in a counter affidavit by the immigration service, it was revealed that Odili’s passport was seized because he is on the watch list of the EFCC.
The affidavit deposed to by one Okwe Ernest of the Legal Department of the NIS averred that Odili was watchlisted at the request of the EFCC.
At the resumed date, counsel to the NIS was absent from court.
Presiding judge, Justice Inyang Ekwo, held that since the matter was coming up for the first time and that the respondents were absent from court the matter, should be adjourned to October 5, 2021.
Counsel to the former governor, Ifedayo Adedipe, says all processes have been filed and served on the respondent.
