By Eric Ikhilae,

The Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) has applied to the Federal High Court in Abuja for leave to file fresh evidence against former Rivers Governor, Peter Odili.

NIS said its new evidence was intended to further explain why its officials seized Odili’s international passport.

The request is contained in an application filed by the NIS in the fundamental rights enforcement suit filed by Odili.

Odili had sued, alleging rights violation and prayed the court to among others compel the NIS to release his passport seized on June 20, 2021 upon his arrival from a trip to the United Kingdom.

In an earlier response, the NIS claimed that its action was informed by the fact that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) placed Odili on its watch list.

On Tuesday, lawyer to NIS and its Comptroller-General, Jimoh Adamu informed the court that his clients were willing to file fresh evidence in the case.

Adamu said his clients were planning to file a further and better counter affidavit to justify the seizure of the passport.

Lawyer to Odili, Ifedayo Adedipe (SAN), said he also would file better and further affidavit in support of the originating summons earlier filed for his client.

Ruling, Justice Inyang Ekwo ordered parties to file all they needed to file and adjourned till October 8 for further hearing.