The Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice John Tsoho, has approved the transfer of all legal cases tied to the controversial declaration of emergency rule in Rivers State from the Port Harcourt Division to the Abuja Division.
The cases, which stem from challenges to the alleged suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy Prof. Ngozi Odu, and members of the Rivers State House of Assembly, were reportedly triggered by a purported emergency declaration by President Bola Tinubu.
Documents obtained by Vanguard show that the following cases are affected:
- Dr. Farah Dagogo v. President & 4 others – Suit No: FHC/PH/CS/50/2025
- Pilex Centre for Civic Education Initiative & Another v. The Administrator – Suit No: FHC/PH/CS/46/2025
- Incorporated Trustee of Rivsbridge Peace v. President & others – Suit No: FHC/PH/SC/43/2025
- Incorporated Trustee of People’s Life Improvement Foundation & others v. President & 2 others – Suit No: FHC/PH/SC/2025
- Belema Briggs & 4 others v. President & others – Suit No: FHC/PH/SC/51/2025
- Samuel T. O. Amatonje Esq v. President & others – Suit No: FHC/PH/SC/53/2025
Justice Tsoho’s directive was issued under Order 49, Rule 2 of the Federal High Court (Civil Procedure) Rules, 2019, which allows case transfers for administrative or security reasons.
Sources revealed that the Attorney-General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, formally requested the transfer, citing the need for neutral jurisdiction and enhanced security.
However, the transfer has stirred uncertainty about ongoing proceedings, particularly in Dagogo v. President & 4 others, where hearings had reportedly commenced in Port Harcourt. There is no official word yet on whether proceedings already initiated will continue, be vacated, or start afresh in Abuja.
The development is likely to further fuel political tensions in Rivers State, where governance remains fraught with division and legal scrutiny.
