The Enugu State High Court, presided over by Hon. Justice C. A. Ogbuabor (PhD), has granted an ex-parte order in favour of some members of the Nigeria Medical Association (NMA), Enugu State branch, restraining a faction of the Association from parading themselves as the state executives of the body.

The interim order, issued on Monday, October 20, 2025, followed a motion ex-parte filed by four senior medical practitioners—Dr. Sunday Okafor, Dr. Chima Edeoga, Emeritus Prof. Samuel Ohaegbunam, and Dr. Grace Bernard-Asdu—on behalf of members of the NMA Enugu State Branch, excluding those with “adverse interests” in the matter.

The defendants in the suit include Prof. Bala Audu, Dr. Ben Egbo, Dr. Benjamin Olowojebututu, Dr. Ushakuma Anenga, Dr. Wale Lasisi, Dr. Harrison Omokhua, Dr. Bature Mannir, the Incorporated Trustees of the NMA, and others allegedly parading themselves as executives of the association in Enugu State.

The motion, brought pursuant to Order 7 Rule 5 and Order 39 Rule 1 of the Enugu State High Court Rules, 2020, and under the court’s inherent jurisdiction, was supported by a 22-paragraph affidavit deposed to by Dr. Okafor. The plaintiffs attached several exhibits (A–G) and a written address to substantiate their claims.

After hearing the submissions of counsel to the applicants, Mr. Ndubuisi Okwesili, and considering the affidavit, exhibits, and other court filings, Justice Ogbuabor held that the depositions revealed a “compelling need” to grant the application.

Although the details of the restraining order were not immediately available, the ruling effectively puts on hold the activities of the faction claiming to be the NMA Enugu State executive pending further hearing of the substantive suit (Suit No. E/1327/2025).

The case is expected to return to court for further proceedings in the coming days.

(The Nation)