- Agency Report
A magistrate with the Cross River Judicial Service Commission, Mr Richard Bassey, has sought for a transfer of a land matter pending in his court, following an alleged threat to his life.
Bassey, who is serving at Ikot Ene-Eyo in Akpabuyo LGA, made the request in his petition to the Legal Department of the state High Court and obtained by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Calabar, on Monday.
In the petition, dated January 8, with reference number JUD/S.349/Vol.IV/221, the petitioner demanded for the transfer of the case involving Effiong Ittang and others against Chief Okon Effanga.
He stated that the rising incidents of threats and intimidation against magistrates in the state had created growing unease within the lower bench.
He argued that the unwholesome development had continued to raise fresh concerns about judicial safety, independence, and respect for the rule of law.
According to him, the situation has drawn the attention of legal practitioners and civil society groups, who warned that the increasing targeting of judicial officers posed serious risks to the effective administration of justice in the state.
Bassey narrated what he described as “a near fatal encounter with suspected thugs”, allegedly acting on behalf of a respondent in the case.
He stated that the incident occurred at about 5.30 pm on January 5, near the exit gate of the SPAR Shopping Mall, along Barracks Road, Calabar.
He explained that three young men intercepted him, forced him to the roadside, and detained him for about thirty minutes in what he described as “a terrifying experience”.
Bassey further stated that during the encounter, he was compelled to contact the Investigative Police Officer handling the case and instructed him to suspend action on a bench warrant, earlier issued to compel the respondent’s appearance in court.
He further alleged that he was issued an ultimatum to strike out the case at the next adjourned date of Jan. 23.
He added that he was only allowed to go by the men after promising to comply with the demands, stressing that the promise was made solely out of fear for his safety.
Bassey stated that the assailants specifically demanded that he struck out the case involving Ittang and others against Effanga and ensure that the respondent was not detained by security agencies.
He explained that the matter related to an appeal against a customary court judgment in a land dispute.
Bassey also alleged a pattern of disregard for court processes by the respondent.
“In spite existing court orders preserving the disputed property, the respondent was said to have leased the land to a third party in May 2025.
“Continued failure to appear in court reportedly led to the issuance of a bench warrant on Dec. 18, 2025,” he stated.
He further claimed that after the bench warrant was issued, information reached him that the respondent and members of his legal team, who were displeased with the court action, vowed to teach him a lesson.
Formally requesting the transfer of the case, the magistrate cited what he described as an “atmosphere of impunity, thuggery and judicial intimidation”, surrounding the matter.
He feared that continuing to preside over the case would expose him to serious danger.
“I appeal that this matter be removed from my court and that the complaint be treated with utmost urgency for the sake of my life,” Bassey stated. NAN