Bayelsa bye-election: Hoodlums attack, disperse lawyers in Yenagoa Court

Lawyers and Court officials on Thursday at the Federal High Court scampered for safety during the pre-election hearing of a 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.

Hoodlums numbering about 20 in number invaded the Court at 1.30pm while litigants and Courts await arrival of the presiding judge, Justice Jane Inyang.

Amid the chaos, some lawyers in attempt to flee sustained injuries due to stampede and also lost some vital documents.

The Judge earlier stood down proceedings to enable parties 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.

An injured litigant who spoke with CAPITAL POST reporter said, he became apprehensive seeing dangerous weapons carried by those touts.

Corroborating, former Counsel to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and now.a.chieftain of the Party, 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. ”

He said, 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”