The Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice John Tsoho, has approved the transfer of all cases related to the declaration of Emergency Rule in Rivers State from the Port Harcourt Division to the Abuja Division of the court.

After the declaration of an emergency rule in Rivers State by President Tinubu and consequent suspension of elected officials of the Rivers State Government, series of legal cases were instituted by concerned individuals and organizations in and outside Rivers State. 

Reports reveal  that some of the cases affected include: Dr. Farah Dagogo vs President & 4 others – Suit No: FHC/PH/CS/50/2025; 

Pilex Centre for Civic Education Initiative & Another vs The Administrator – Suit No: FHC/PH/CS/46/2025;

 Incorporated Trustee of Rivsbridge Peace vs President & others – Suit No: FHC/PH/SC/43/2025; 

Incorporated Trustee of People’s Life Improvement Foundation & others vs President & 2 others – Suit No: FHC/PH/SC/2025;

 Belema Briggs & 4 others vs President & others – Suit No: FHC/PH/SC/51/2025; And, Samuel T. O. Amatonje Esq v President & others – Suit No: FHC/PH/SC/53/2025.

It was stated that Justice Tsoho’s directive is made pursuant to Order 49, Rule 2 of the Federal High Court (Civil Procedure) Rules, 2019, which empowers the court to transfer cases for administrative or security reasons.

It is also reported that the Attorney-General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, had earlier written to the Federal High Court requesting the transfer, citing relevant provisions of the court rules.

Nonetheless, uncertainty now surrounds the fate of some of the cases that had already commenced hearing in Port Harcourt, particularly the suit filed by Dr. Farah Dagogo and others.

As at the time of this report, no official statement has been released on whether the proceedings already initiated in the Port Harcourt division will be retained, vacated, or recommenced in Abuja.