A Makurdi High Court, Thursday, issued an interim order restraining the Inspector General of Police, Ibrahim Idris, from prohibiting or shutting down offices of the Benue State Livestock Guards.
The court also restrained the state Commissioner of Police, Okon Ene, from preventing officials of the outfit from carrying out their duties as set out in the state’s Open Grazing Prohibition and Ranches Establishment Law.
The presiding Judge, Austin Ityonyiman granted the order following a motion brought before him by the Benue State Government.
The motion, which was filed by counsel to the government, Douglas Pepe, prayed the court to restrain the Nigerian Police, whom he said were acting outside the scope of their constitutional duties.
Mr Pepe had argued that the Livestock Guards are a creation of the law, adding that they have been carrying out their functions based on an enabling legislation.
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After listening to the argument of counsel to the state government and carefully perusing through the affidavit in support of the motion, the judge granted the order pending the determination of the motion on notice.
The Judge thereafter adjourned the case to November 23, for hearing of the motion.
Reacting to the court’s decision, the Benue State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Michael Gusa said the Ortom administration is operating based on the rule of law and due process.
He expressed surprise that the police, whose duty it is to help the government to enforce laws were seeking to proscribe a law legitimately enacted by a state.
Mr. Gusa reaffirmed the determination of the government to always act for the overall interest of people of the state.
