Justice Bolaji Olajuwon, in a ruling on Friday, emphasized that Ehie, not being joined as a defendant in the charge, lacked the legal standing to make such a plea. Furthermore, the CoS's request to have his name removed from the charge, marked FHC/ABJ/CR/25/2024, was also dismissed by Justice Olajuwon.

The judge concurred with the argument presented by the police lawyer, Simon Lough, SAN, asserting that since Ehie had not been formally included as a defendant in the charge, his application could not be entertained.

Edison Ehie, who assumed the role of Chief of Staff after resigning as a member and factional speaker of the assembly, is implicated as one of the suspects charged by the Inspector General of Police for allegedly committing offenses related to the Rivers House of Assembly arson case.

On January 25, five suspected arsonists from the Rivers House of Assembly were arraigned before Justice Olajuwon on a seven-count charge, including allegations of terrorism. Ehie, whose name was mentioned, is reported to be at large along with other suspects.

The five defendants in the case are Chime Eguma Ezebalike, Prince Lukman Oladele, Kenneth Goodluck Kpasa, Osiga Donald, and Ochueja Thankgod. The legal proceedings continue as the court addresses the complexities surrounding the charges and the involvement of key figures in the Rivers House of Assembly incident.