A Federal High Court in Abuja has reversed the decision of the Osun State Government to shut down Segilola Resources Operating, a mining firm in the state.

The presiding judge, Justice Emeka Nwite gave the order in suit numbered: FHC/AB/5/1452024 and filed against the Osun State Government.

Other defendants in the matter included the Attorney General of the Federation and the Minister of Solid Minerals Development.

In the motion ex-parte dated and filed on October 2, 2024 and heard on October 3, the plaintiff prayed the court for an order of interim injunction restraining Osun State Government, the third defendant, and its agents or officers from interfering with or disrupting the gold mining operations of the applicant or continuing to deny the applicant access to its business premises or mining site in Osun State, pending the hearing and determination of applicant’s motion on notice for interlocutory injunction.

“Further or in the alternative, an order directing the parties to maintain the status quo ante bellum pending the determination of the applicant’s motion on notice for interlocutory injunction,” the applicant prayed after arguments by its counsel, O. Opasanya, SAN.

Delivering ruling, Justice Nwite ordered that the Osun State Government should not deny Segilola Resources Operating access to its my mining firm.

“That an Order of Interim Injunction is hereby made by this Honourable Court restraining the 3rd Defendant and agents or officers of Osun State Government, either acting by themselves or through their agents, officers, officials, staff, nominees, servants, privies, assigns, law enforcement agents, or any person acting for, or deriving authority from the 3rd Defendant and Osun State Government, from interfering with or disrupting the gold mining operations of the Applicant or continuing to deny the Applicant access to its business premises or mining site in Osun State, pending the hearing and determination of Applicant’s Motion on Notice for Interlocutory Injunction,” the judge ruled.

Meanwhile, the case was adjourned till October 17, 2024, for a hearing of motion on notice.

Osun State Government sealed off the mining company for allegedly evading tax and other offences.