BENIN CITY – The Edo State High Court Sitting in Benin City yesterday adjourned hearing to February 3, 2022, for the 3rd Defendant to open his defense in Suit No. B/781/2016 filled by the Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC) against Edo Civil Society Organisations (EDOSCO).
Recall that the electricity distribution company had sued Comrade Austin Osakwe (1st Defendant), Comrade Omobude Agho (2nd Defendant) and Barrister Abraham Oviawe (3rd Defendant) respectively on behalf of the Edo State Coalitions Of Civil Society Groups, Youth Groups, Community Groups for opposing purported poor electricity services and exorbitant billings through peaceful protest.
But following the completion of Comrade Omobude Agho’s defence yesterday, the presiding Judge , Justice Victor Oviawe, consequently adjourned to February 2022 for the 3rd defendant to open his defense .
The Claimant had approached the court to seek amongst others perpetual injunction restraining the Defendants from further protest that may lead to entering , sealing or taking over the company’s premises .
“An order directing the Defendant and their Civil Right Groups not to enter , seal, take over and / or occupy in any manner , any property premises of the claimant in Benin City and its environ and not to interfere with claimant’s collection of electricity tariffs, rates, levies, fees etc
“An Order of perpetual injunction restraining the defendant and their civil rights group from entering, sealing, taking over and /or occupying in any manner, any of the property premises of the claimant in Benin city and from interfering with the claimant’s electricity tariffs, rates ,levies , fees etc
“The sum of 500,000,000 as damages for the embarrassment, emotional and psychological discomfort suffered by the claimant at the instance of the defendants and their civil rights groups who deliberately orchestrate misinformation and publish falsehoods against the claimant”, the BEDC request stated in part.
