TheCable

An Imo high court sitting in Owerri has struck out applications made by one Chinyere Amuchienwa against the hearing of a fundamental rights case filed by Ikedi Ohakim, former governor of the state.

In a suit marked: HOW/717/2020 and filed in September 2020, Ohakim is seeking an enforcement of his fundamental rights over allegations that he is being harassed by Amuchienwa and agents of the Nigerian police.

In an application, Amuchienwa asked the high court to refer the case to the court of appeal for proper interpretation and application of the constitution.

However, Aloy Ejimakor, counsel to the former governor, argued that the case before the court concerns enforcement of fundamental rights not interpretation and application of the constitution.

Delivering the ruling on February 24, Ihuoma Chukwunyere, the judge, upheld Ejimakor’s arguments and struck out the application.

“This application is pre-emotive and is therefore refused. The application fails and is accordingly struck out,” the judge ruled.

Ohakim and Amuchienwa have been involved in a feud that has led to several court cases.

The former governor is standing trial before a federal capital territory high court on a three-count charge bordering on criminal defamation against Amuchienwa.

In another suit, the inspector-general of police (IGP) has preferred a five-count charge against Ohakim for allegedly harassing and threatening to release nude photos of Amuchienwa.