Expelled PDP Leader Odefa Loses Court Case, Faces ₦100 Million Fine For Harassment Of Party Members

A Federal High Court sitting in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, has awarded ₦100 million in damages against the expelled former National Vice Chairman (South-East) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Ali Odefa.

The judgement followed a suit filed by 20 PDP members, including party executives from Oguduokwor, Onicha Local Government Area, Ebonyi State, identified as case number FHC/AI/CS/FHR/197.

The plaintiffs sought redress for the alleged violation of their fundamental human rights stemming from what they described as false and malicious accusations made by Odefa.

In his ruling, Justice Hilary I. O. Oshomah determined that Odefa had “maliciously” involved the police in a civil political matter by accusing the applicants of forgery without providing evidence to substantiate his claims.

Odefa had alleged that the plaintiffs forged documents to orchestrate his suspension from the PDP in Oguduokwor Ward.

However, the court found no proof of forgery in Odefa’s claims and ruled that his actions constituted an abuse of the legal process.

The court subsequently issued an order restraining Odefa and the police from further harassing, arresting, or intimidating the plaintiffs over issues relating to his suspension from the PDP.

Additionally, the court awarded ₦5 million in damages to each of the 20 plaintiffs, amounting to a total of ₦100 million. The damages are to be paid within seven days of the judgement, with a daily interest rate of 10% applicable for any delay in payment.

Odefa’s expulsion from the PDP was earlier confirmed on December 12, 2024, by the Oguduokwor Ward executives following a recommendation by the party’s disciplinary committee.

The committee had found him guilty of engaging in anti-party activities.