Illustration: a riot scene in Ebonyi

In a replay of the judicial assault by hoodlums in Ekiti state recently, a battalion of youths suspected to be political thugs on Friday invaded Ebonyi Court complex in Abakaliki, eastern Nigeria and disrupted proceedings in the various courts.

The News Agency of Nigeria estimated the hoodlums to be about 1,500.

The hoodlum, wielding an assortment of weapons and chanting war songs attacked judges and other judicial workers.

One witness said: “The activities of the hoodlums disrupted the court proceedings as judges, magistrates, other judicial workers and petty traders within the premises scamper for safety.”

“Nobody knows the motive behind the invasion, but we gathered that the attack was done to stop political opponents from obtaining court injunctions.’’

Justice Aloy Nwankwo: chief judge of Ebonyi state

The invasion prompted the police to seal the court premises and barricade the two entrances to the court.

The Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Mr Chris Anyanwu, confirmed the incident.

Anyanwu told NAN that the command was alerted on the invasion of the Ebonyi Judiciary complex, we are working to identify the suspected political thugs.

“We are waiting for our men drafted to the venue to maintain law and order at the premises to furnish the office with relevant reports.

“The command will brief the press on the issue very soon,’’ Anyanwu said.