A Federal High Court sitting in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, has ordered Chief Ali Odefa, the expelled National Vice Chairman of the PDP South-East, to pay N100 million in damages. This ruling follows a lawsuit filed by 20 PDP members, including party executives from the Oguduokwor ward in Onicha Local Government Area.
The plaintiffs, who filed under Suit No: FHC/AI/CS/FHR/197, sought enforcement of their fundamental rights after Odefa accused them of forging documents to falsely suspend him as the PDP National Vice Chairman.
Justice Hilary I. O. Oshomah ruled that Odefa had maliciously involved the police, making unfounded criminal accusations in a civil political matter. The court found that Odefa failed to present any evidence of forgery in support of his claims. It also issued an order prohibiting Odefa and the police from harassing or intimidating the plaintiffs.
The court awarded N5 million in damages to each of the 20 plaintiffs, totaling N100 million, to be paid within seven days. Failure to comply would result in a 10% daily interest charge. At the hearing, the OC Legal of the Ebonyi State Police Command, Benson Emenike, represented the Commissioner of Police, while Odefa’s counsel was absent despite prior notice. Odefa was expelled from the PDP on December 12, 2024, following allegations of anti-party activities.
