 in Edo State has filed a lawsuit against the acting chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state, Jarret Tenebe, over the alleged violent invasion, eviction, and unlawful occupation of its secretariat on Airport Road, Benin City.){kind=link}
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Edo State has filed a lawsuit against the acting chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state, Jarret Tenebe, over the alleged violent invasion, eviction, and unlawful occupation of its secretariat on Airport Road, Benin City.
In a case presented before the Edo State High Court, the PDP is requesting a permanent injunction to prevent Tenebe and his associates from entering or engaging in any activities on the premises located at No. 49 Airport Road.
The legal documents, dated February 14, 2025, and shared with the media on Wednesday, also seek compensation exceeding N900 million.
This includes over N300 million in special damages for the destruction or theft of office equipment during the invasion, such as computers, laptops, and generators.
The PDP is asking the court to recognize it as the rightful tenant of the property, having leased it from Mr. Ena Agbontan, the landlord, under a valid lease agreement.
According to the party, the forceful eviction of its officials and staff on January 16, 2025, amounted to trespassing and violated its legal right to peaceful occupation.
As part of its claims, the PDP is seeking N500 million in general damages for the violation of its rights to peacefully occupy the leased premises.
Additionally, the party is demanding N322,765,500 in special damages for the loss and destruction of office equipment, and N90 million for the emergency costs incurred to secure temporary office space at Etano Hotel in G.R.A., Benin City, at a rate of N3 million per day from January 16 to February 13, 2025.
The PDP is also requesting the court to impose a daily fine of N5 million starting February 13, 2025, until a final judgment is delivered.
Furthermore, the PDP seeks an order to regain possession of the disputed property and a permanent injunction barring Tenebe, his agents, and any representatives from further interfering with the property.
The lawsuit comes in the wake of widespread condemnation of the January 16 incident, which the PDP has described as a direct assault on democracy and the rule of law.