A High Court sitting in Minna, Niger State, has restrained 10 councillors of Chanchaga Local Government Area from impeaching the suspended council chairman, Aminu Yakubu Ladan.
Justice Mohammed Mohammed of High Court 4 granted the interim order after hearing a motion ex-parte brought under Order 38 Rules 4 and 8 of the Niger State High Court (Civil Procedure) Rules 2018, and under the court’s inherent jurisdiction.
The order bars the councillors from taking any further action on the suspension of the embattled chairman or initiating impeachment proceedings, pending the determination of a motion for interlocutory injunction.
The applicant’s counsel, Anthony Orifunmishe, had prayed the court to restrain the councillors—particularly Yahuza Sa’idu and Mohammed Mohammed—from acting on the July 28, 2025, notice of suspension issued to the chairman, pending the determination of the substantive motion.
In a second relief, the court restrained the councillors and the Niger State Attorney General from initiating or pursuing any removal process against Ladan until the motion for interlocutory injunction is heard.
The councillors had suspended the chairman on July 28 over allegations of financial mismanagement, incompetence, and abuse of office. Eight of the 10 council members signed the suspension letter, citing alleged illegal allocation of market plots, non-disclosure of financial statements, unauthorised contract awards, and the persistent refusal of council directors to attend legislative sessions.
They argued that the action was taken in line with Sections 24 and 38 of the Niger State Local Government Law (Cap 77) to ensure transparency and accountability in the council.
The court has fixed a date for the hearing of the substantive motion for interlocutory injunction.
