The President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem, has transferred the Kogi Governorship Election Petitions Tribunal from Lokoja to Abuja.
According to a statement issued by the tribunal’s secretary, David Umar Mike, the tribunal’s sitting would now take place at the National Judicial Institute on Umar Yar’Adua Way.
It advised plaintiffs to be aware of the change in venue.
The reason for the relocation was not stated in the statement, but a high source at the tribunal said it was necessary for “security reasons.”
According to the source, members of the tribunal’s staff have been attacked on multiple occasions in Lokoja.
“Just last Monday, tribunal officials were attacked on the way to the office. Armed men just pounced on the officials. They robbed them of everything. They took away all the documents that were in the car. Copies of petitions and personal belongings, official receipts, processes like subpoenas, and official stamps were all stolen.
“Generally, thugs are frustrating the job and the lives of our officials are at stake, making it difficult to work there,” the source said.