365NEWS gathered that Chaos erupted on Monday as thugs stormed the Edo State High Court Complex on Sapele Road, Benin, disrupting the inaugural sitting of the governorship election petitions tribunal.
The attackers, who remain unidentified, targeted politicians and their supporters, pelting them with stones and other dangerous objects.
Members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and supporters of Edo State Governor Senator Monday Okpebholo were present when the thugs invaded, leaving several individuals injured.
The situation was swiftly brought under control by armed security operatives.
Despite the commotion, the tribunal, led by Justice Wilfred Kpochi, continued its proceedings.
Justice Kpochi urged all parties to ensure decorum and mutual respect during the hearing of seven petitions challenging the outcome of the September 21 governorship election, won by Okpebholo and upheld during his November 12 inauguration.
The petitions were filed by seven political parties, including the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Social Democratic Party (SDP), and Zenith Labour Party (ZLP), seeking to overturn the election results.
Counsel for the petitioners, represented by Ken Mozia, SAN, and for the respondents, represented by Onyeachi Ikpeazu, SAN, pledged their cooperation for a fair trial.
The Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Benin branch, Idemudia Osifo, assured the tribunal of the bar’s support when needed.
Divisional Police Officer, Emmanuel Ehanhoro, affirmed the commitment of security personnel to protect lives and property throughout the tribunal’s proceedings.
The tribunal adjourned until December 18 for the pre-hearing adoption of addresses.
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