Some suspected hoodlums numbering about 20, on Thursday, attacked the Federal High Court sitting in Yenagoa during the hearing into the pre-election suit between the candidates of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief Ebifemowei and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Cleopas Moses ahead of the December 5 National Assembly bye-election in the state.
The invasion, which occurred at about 1.30pm while the presiding judge, Justice Jane Inyang was not on seat, caused pandemonium with many lawyers sustaining injuries in a stampede.
It was learnt that an ongoing suit was stood down by Justice Jane Inyang to allow parties to regularise their processes and return, but lawyers and those at the court premises were, however, surprised when hoodlums armed with dangerous weapons attacked the court.
One of the victims and the former State Legal Adviser of the PDP, Barr. Richard Perekeme, who confirmed the development, said the lawyers were shocked and many scampered for safety.
“The hoodlums were about 20 in number and armed with dangerous weapons. They seized legal wigs from lawyers. They collected mobile phones and chased everyone out of Court two. Though, they did not take mine.”
He, however, could not confirm if they were political thugs,” We thank God the judge was not on seat. There was poor security around the premises. ”
When our reporter arrived at the court, there were two police patrol teams stationed in front of the Court premises located at Onopa area of the State capital, and others on patrol around the area.
Meanwhile, an inside source at the court who does not want his name mentioned, revealed that the thugs attempted to attack the court but they were stopped by security agents around the court premises.
He said “The hoodlums were suspected to be political thugs who may have been sponsored by politicians in the state as preparation for the Senatorial election moves closer”
