The Edo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has filed a lawsuit against the acting chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state, Jarret Tenebe, accusing him of orchestrating a violent takeover and unlawful eviction from its secretariat situated on Airport Road in Benin City.
The PDP, in its suit filed before the Edo State High Court, is seeking a permanent injunction to prevent Tenebe and his associates from further entering or carrying out any activities at the property located at No. 49 Airport Road.
The legal documents, dated February 14, 2025, and made available to the press on Wednesday, also demand compensation exceeding N900 million.
This includes over N300 million in special damages for the alleged destruction or removal of office equipment, including laptops, computers, and generators, during the invasion.
The PDP claims that it is the lawful tenant of the property, having entered into a lease agreement with the landlord, Mr. Ena Agbontan, which is still valid.
The party argues that the eviction of its officials and staff on January 16, 2025, was a breach of its rights and amounts to trespassing, thus violating its entitlement to peaceful occupancy.
The PDP is seeking N500 million in general damages for the unlawful disruption of its occupation of the property.
Additionally, the party is requesting N322,765,500 in special damages for the loss of office equipment and N90 million for the cost of securing an alternative office space at Etano Hotel, G.R.A., Benin City, at a daily rate of N3 million from January 16 to February 13, 2025.
The PDP also seeks a daily penalty of N5 million from February 13, 2025, until the court renders a final decision.
Moreover, the PDP is asking the court to restore its possession of the disputed property and issue a permanent injunction barring Tenebe, his agents, or anyone acting on his behalf from further interfering with the premises.
The legal action follows widespread condemnation of the January 16 event, which the PDP has described as an assault on democracy and the rule of law.