The impeachment panel investigating Edo State Deputy Governor Philip Shaibu concluded its proceedings without his presence.
Despite allegations of perjury and unauthorized disclosure of confidential information, Shaibu did not attend the panel’s final session.
The inquiry, led by retired Justice S. A. Omonuwa, began on Wednesday in Benin and concluded on Friday. Shaibu was expected to present his defense on Thursday but did not appear, nor did he attend the extended deadline on Friday.
The Edo State House of Assembly, which initiated the complaint, presented its case earlier in the week, allowing Shaibu the opportunity to respond to the charges.
However, his legal representative, Oladoyin Awoyale, left the initial session after the panel declined to halt the proceedings due to a related lawsuit in Abuja.
The Deputy Clerk of the Assembly, Joe Ohiafi, opposed the suspension and proceeded to outline the case against Shaibu, accusing him of leaking sensitive government documents and breaching the Oath of Secrecy as per the 1999 Constitution.
The panel’s final session saw representation from the Assembly’s Legal Officer, N.U. Ibrahim, alongside two colleagues, marking the end of the impeachment panel’s sittings.
Ruling on the development, the chairman of the panel said, “The panel adjourned sitting for the last time till today (Friday) to allow the respondent to defend himself.
“The panel shall retire to go and write its report as required by the constitution.”
