Supreme Court Under Siege As Protesters Decry Benue Judicial Crisis

The protesters accused certain politicians of manipulating the Benue Local Government Election Tribunal for political advantage. Holding placards and chanting slogans, they urged Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, to take immediate action and sanction judges allegedly involved in judicial misconduct.

Speaking at the protest, the group’s convener, Igwe Ude-Umanta, called on President Bola Tinubu to intervene and safeguard the judiciary from political influence.

“We are here as Nigerians who believe in the rule of law. Our democracy is at risk, and the Honourable Chief Justice of Nigeria must act now,” Ude-Umanta stated.

He further warned that the judiciary must not be allowed to crumble under political pressure, particularly in Benue, where individuals who were not part of the electoral process are attempting to overturn democratic outcomes.

The crisis escalated after Benue State Chief Judge, Justice Maurice Ikpembese, ordered the relocation of the tribunal from Makurdi to the NBA House in Abuja due to security concerns. However, the Federal High Court in Makurdi later issued a restraining order, directing that the tribunal must remain in Benue State.

In response, the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) sought relief from the FCT High Court in Abuja, which granted their request on Friday, ruling that the tribunal should continue its proceedings in Abuja while barring it from sitting in Benue.