From Tony John, Port Harcourt
The Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice John Tsoho, has ordered the transfer of all cases related to President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of emergency rule in Rivers State, including the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu, and state legislators, from the Port Harcourt Division to the Abuja Division.
The transferred cases include Dr Farah Dagogo vs President & 4 Others (FHC/PH/CS/50/2025), Pilex Centre for Civic Education Initiative & Another vs The Administrator (FHC/PHC/CS/46/2025), Incorporated Trustees of Rivsbridge Peace vs President & Others (FHC/PH/SC/43/2025), Incorporated Trustees of People’s Life Improvement Foundation & Others vs President & 2 Others (FHC/PH/SC/2025), Belema Briggs & 4 Others vs President & Others (FHC/PH/SC/51/2025), and Samuel T O Amatonje Esq vs President & Others (FHC/PH/SC/53/2025).
The transfer, pursuant to Order 49, Rule 2 of the Federal High Court (Civil Procedure) Rules 2019, followed a request from Attorney-General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN).
The status of cases already under hearing in Port Harcourt, such as Dr Farah Dagogo vs President & 4 Others, remains unclear.