A High Court in Port Harcourt has nullified the arrest warrant issued against Prof. Smith Jaja, Vice Chancellor of PAMO University of Medical Sciences, by the Rivers State House of Assembly led by Speaker Martin Amaehwule, citing a breach of the 1999 Constitution.
Presiding over the case on Friday, October 30, 2026, Justice Frank Onyiri also slammed a \text{₦}2\text{ million} fine on the Assembly for issuing the provocative order.
The dispute stems from a legislative probe into the university’s scholarship scheme regarding alleged misappropriation of state government funds.
Alongside annulling the arrest warrant which was ordered after the Vice Chancellor failed to appear before an ad hoc committee on September 25, the court granted a perpetual injunction restraining the Assembly, the police, and other security agencies from interfering with the applicant’s fundamental rights.
Justice Onyiri emphasized that the legislature lacks the constitutional power to indict or adjudicate guilt, noting that its mandate under Section 128 is strictly limited to investigation and evidence gathering.
Upholding the fundamental rights application brought by Prof. Jaja under both the Nigerian Constitution and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, the court ordered the Assembly to pay the damages.
Reacting to the verdict, Dr. C.A.J. Chinwo, counsel for the university representing E.C. Ukala, SAN, commended the judgment as a vital lesson against using public office to trample on citizens’ rights.
