Concerns Mount as Intimidation of Magistrates Escalates in Cross River
By Ekanem Asuquo
Growing reports of threats and intimidation against Magistrates in Cross River State are triggering serious concern within the lower bench and among legal practitioners, civil society groups and justice sector stakeholders, amid fears that judicial independence and the rule of law are under increasing strain.
Findings show that the latest incident involves a Chief Magistrate in Akpabuyo Local Government Area who has formally sought the transfer of a pending land dispute from his court, citing credible threats to his life allegedly linked to the case. The development has intensified worries that some litigants are resorting to intimidation and violence in an attempt to influence judicial decisions.
Documents obtained by The Beagles News indicate that the Magistrate, His Worship Richard F. Bassey of the Ikot Eneyo Chief Magistrate Court, addressed a petition to the Legal Department at the Judiciary Headquarters in Calabar, requesting to be relieved of Suit No. MCE IKE 1 2024. The matter is an appeal arising from a customary court judgment.
In the petition, Magistrate Bassey recounted 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 on January 5, 2026, at about 5.30 pm near the exit gate of the SPAR Shopping Mall along Barracks Road in Calabar.
According to him, three young men intercepted his vehicle, forced him to the roadside and held him for about thirty minutes in what he described as a frightening ordeal. During the encounter, he was allegedly compelled to contact the Investigative Police Officer handling the case and instruct him to suspend action on a bench warrant earlier issued to compel the defendant’s appearance in court.
According to the leaked document,the Magistrate further alleged that he was given an ultimatum to strike out the case at the next adjourned date of January 23, 2026. He said he was only allowed to leave after promising to comply with the demands, stressing that the decision was made solely out of fear for his personal safety.
The assailants were said to have specifically demanded that the Magistrate strike out the case involving Effiong Etim Ittang and others against Chief Okon Effiong Effanga and ensure that the respondent was not arrested by security agencies. The case centres on an appeal against a customary court judgment in a land dispute.
Magistrate Bassey also alleged a pattern of disregard for court processes by the respondent. Despite existing court orders preserving the disputed land, the respondent was said to have leased the property to a third party in May 2025. Continued failure to appear in court reportedly led to the issuance of a bench warrant on December 18, 2025.
He further claimed that after the bench warrant was issued, information reached him that the respondent and members of his legal team were displeased with the court’s action and had vowed that he would be taught a lesson, a remark he now views as a warning that preceded the alleged intimidation.
In 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, insisting that continuing to preside over the case would expose him to grave 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,” the petition read.
Beyond Akpabuyo, similar incidents involving Magistrates have reportedly occurred in other parts of the state in recent weeks. In one case, a Magistrate was said to have fled her residence after threats were made to forcefully open her gate. In another, a judicial officer was reportedly harassed while travelling in a commercial mini bus to attend an official judiciary function.
Legal practitioners and civil society observers warn that the rising pattern of intimidation poses a grave threat to judicial independence, particularly at the Magistrate Court level, which remains the first and most accessible point of justice for many citizens.
They argue that threats against judicial officers over pending cases not only endanger lives but also weaken public confidence in the justice system and encourage lawlessness, especially in land and customary disputes that are often highly contentious.
As of the time of filing this report, security agencies in Cross River State had not confirmed any arrests in connection with the alleged January 5 incident. The matter is said to be under review at the Judiciary Headquarters as calls grow for urgent intervention by the judiciary, security agencies and the state government to ensure the safety of Magistrates and protect the integrity of the courts.
