The Edo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has filed a lawsuit against the state chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Jarret Tenebe, alleging the unlawful takeover of the PDP’s secretariat located at No. 49, Airport Road, Benin City. The PDP is seeking N900 million in damages and a perpetual injunction to prevent further access to the property.
According to a writ of summons issued by A.O. Edeko and Co., legal representatives for the PDP, the party accuses Tenebe of orchestrating the invasion, eviction, and forceful seizure of its secretariat on January 16, 2025.
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The PDP is demanding significant financial compensation, including N300 million in special damages. These damages, according to the lawsuit, cover the loss and destruction of office equipment, including computers, generators, laptops, and other valuables allegedly pilfered or vandalized during the alleged takeover.
Specific items listed include computers, generators, laptops, and printers. The party also seeks N500 million in general damages for what it claims is a violation of its tenancy rights and the disruption of its activities.
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In its petition to the court, the PDP is seeking several declarations and orders, including
- “A declaration that it remains the rightful occupant of No. 49, Airport Road, Benin, having leased the same lawfully. The lease…executed with Mr. Enoma Agbontaen, the landlord, remained valid and legally binding between the parties as of the date.”
- “A declaration that the violent eviction of the claimant and its staff from the premises constitutes an act of unlawful trespass under law.”
- “An order for payment of N322,765 as special damages for office equipment destroyed and carted away during the (alleged) illegal invasion of its property.”
- The PDP is also seeking reimbursement for alternative office space, calculating N3,000 daily for emergency space at Etano Hotel, Benin City, from January 16 to February 13, 2025, totaling N90,000. Furthermore, it requests N5,000 daily from February 13, 2025, until a judgment is reached.
- “An order granting and restoring the claimant’s rights to possess and occupy No. 49, Airport Road, Benin City, Edo State.”
- “A perpetual injunction restraining the Defendant, his agents, servants, or persons acting on his behalf from further trespassing or interfering with the property.”
The PDP maintains that the alleged forceful eviction breached its right to quiet enjoyment of the rented property on Airport Road, prompting the legal action. The case is expected to draw significant attention in Edo State, further intensifying the political climate between the two major parties.
