An Enugu State High Court has granted an interim injunction restraining the Nigeria Police Force and other respondents from harassing, arresting, detaining or inviting Dr. Jerry Patrick Onuokaibe, Mr. Kenneth Igbudu, and Mr. Obinna Okonkwo in connection with the ongoing chieftaincy dispute in Mburubu community, Nkanu East Local Government Area of Enugu State.

The court further suspended any selection, election, or eligibility process for the traditional stool of Mburubu community by the Mburubu Town Union, the Enugu State Government, or any other stakeholders without the active participation of the plaintiffs.

The order was issued on Thursday, 27th February, 2025, by Hon. Justice C.A. Ogbuabor, following an ex-parte application filed by the plaintiffs through their legal counsel, Sir K. Olemeforo.

In the suit marked E/195/2025, the plaintiffs sought the protection of the court against alleged intimidation, harassment, arbitrary arrest, and unlawful actions by certain interest groups attempting to manipulate the traditional stool selection process in Mburubu Community.

The 1st to 8th defendants in the suit include the Nigeria Police Force, Inspector General of Police, Commissioner of Police Enugu State, and other police officials, while the 9th to 11th defendants are Hon. Emmanuel Edeh (sued both in his personal capacity and as a representative of Mburubu Town Union), the Commissioner for Chieftaincy Affairs and Rural Development, and the Attorney General of Enugu State.

After hearing the submissions of the plaintiffs’ counsel, the court granted the following orders:

“Interim Injunction Restraining the 1st to 8th defendants from arresting, inviting, or detaining the plaintiffs based on any complaint made by Hon. Emmanuel Edeh or any party acting on his behalf.

“Restraining the 9th, 10th, and 11th defendants, their agents, and representatives from proceeding with any process aimed at determining eligibility or electing a traditional ruler in Mburubu Community without the participation of the plaintiffs.”

Justice Ogbuabor emphasized that due process, fairness, and transparency must guide the selection of traditional rulers, warning that any attempt to circumvent the law could plunge the community into crisis.

The case was adjourned to 13th May, 2025, for the hearing of the originating summons.

Enugu community crisis: Court bars police from arresting Mburubu leaders