A Federal High Court in Abuja has dismissed a case challenging President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State.

Justice James Omotosho held that the five plaintiffs, led by Belema Briggs, lacked the legal standing to sue and that the issues raised were not properly before the High Court.

The suit sought to void the March 18 2025, proclamation and actions taken under it, including the temporary suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the state assembly. The court rejected those claims and struck out the case.

President Tinubu lifted the emergency measures in mid-September after six months, reinstating suspended officials and citing improved stability in the state. The ruling adds to a series of outcomes from numerous legal challenges filed over the Rivers proclamation.