Ex-Speaker Dajoh challenges suspension by Benue Assembly, seeks N2b in damages

By Benedicta Aboh

The immediate past Speaker of the Benue State House of Assembly, Hyacinth Dajoh, has approached the National Industrial Court in Abuja to contest his six-month suspension. In the suit, he is seeking reinstatement, payment of withheld allowances, and damages totaling N2 billion.

Filed under originating summons No. NICN/ABJ/368/2025, Dajoh is asking the court to declare his suspension “unlawful, unconstitutional, and null and void.” The defendants in the suit include the current Speaker of the Benue State House of Assembly, the House itself, the Inspector-General of Police, the Chief of Defence Staff, and the Department of State Services (DSS).

Dajoh contends that his suspension, which began in November 2025, violated his constitutional rights. “My suspension was carried out in blatant disregard of Sections 36(1) and 101 of the 1999 Constitution. The Assembly ignored its Standing Orders, particularly Order X Rules 72(11) and (12), adopted in May 2023. There was no fair hearing, no due process, and no lawful justification,” he stated.

The former Speaker also criticized the Assembly for withholding his statutory allowances and emoluments, which amount to N8 million monthly. “Since November 2025, all my allowances and entitlements have been withheld without any legal basis. This is punitive, vindictive, and unconstitutional,” he added.

Dajoh is seeking a court order for his immediate reinstatement as the member representing Gboko West State Constituency, with all rights and privileges restored. He also wants the defendants compelled to pay all outstanding allowances and bonuses from the date of his suspension.

Furthermore, he is requesting a perpetual injunction to prevent the current Speaker, the Assembly, and relevant security agencies from obstructing his access to House activities. In addition, Dajoh is demanding N1 billion in general damages for alleged mental and psychological distress, and another N1 billion in aggravated damages for what he describes as the Assembly’s “unconscionable conduct.”

“Suspending me for six months immediately after an earlier three-month suspension is a clear act of persecution,” he asserted. The court is expected to schedule the matter for hearing once the mandatory appearance period for all defendants lapses.