Edo election Tribunal relocates to Abuja over alleged insecurity

By Jethro Ibileke 

 

The 2024 governorship election petitions tribunal, which was sitting in Benin City, Edo State, has been relocated to Abuja for the continuation of its hearing.

The Secretary of the Tribunal, Muazu Bagudu, disclosed this during proceedings. Shortly after, the data forensic expert called by petitioners in the case, Dr. Asue Ighodalo, and the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, testified before the court.

Bagudu in a statement said the relocation was effective from Monday, January 27, 2025.

“I am directed to notify all parties that the governorship election petition tribunal sitting in Benin City, Edo State has been relocated to Abuja at National Judicial Institute (NJI), Airport Road, Abuja effective from Monday, January 27, 2025.

For further inquiry, contact the Secretary,” the statement said.

However, it was gathered that the Tribunal’s relocation to Abuja was at the President of the Court of Appeal’s instigation.

A source close to the court, who pleaded anonymity, attributed the development to insecurity at the tribunal’s premises located on Sapele Road, Benin City.