President of the National Industrial Court, Justice Benedict Kanyip, OFR has ordered the re-opening of Owerri Judicial Division of the Court for normal Court sitting and commencement of other Court activities starting from Monday, 9th January 2023.
Justice Kanyip gave the order pursuant to Section 21 (1) & (2) of the National Industrial Court Act, 2006 and all other enabling powers.
The President stated that the order for re-opening is necessitated upon the assurances and guarantees given by the Executive Governor of Imo State, Senator Hope Uzodimma that the Judges and Staff of the Court in the State will be given adequate Security and Protection.
Justice Kanyip had ordered the closure of the court in June this year, on the grounds to protect the lives of the Judge/staff and properties of the Court in view of the incessant cases of obstruction of justice, intimidation, and harassment of the Judge and staff of the Owerri Judicial Division of the Court as well as unlawful arrest and abduction of the staff of the Court by agents of State.
He maintained that the Court shall not be reopened until all issues concerning disobedience to Court order are resolved and the necessary guarantees are given.
