The Rivers State Judiciary has debunked a viral online report claiming that Justice Boma Diepiri or any judge of the State High Court issued a judgment in favor of suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara against President Bola Tinubu, Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike, and Sole Administrator, retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas.
In a statement released on Wednesday by the Chief Registrar of the Rivers State High Court, David Ihua Maduenyi, the judiciary dismissed the report as false and misleading. The report alleged that Justice Diepiri, presiding at the Federal High Court, ruled that the appointment of a sole administrator to govern Rivers State following Fubara’s suspension was illegal, null, and void, and ordered the administrator to vacate the Government House.
Maduenyi clarified that Justice Diepiri is a judge of the Rivers State High Court, not the Federal High Court, and is currently on Easter vacation, which began on April 14, 2025. He described the report’s reference to Diepiri as a reflection of the reporter’s “crass ignorance,” noting that the Federal High Court and State High Court are distinct entities. The Chief Registrar further confirmed that no judge of the Rivers State High Court has issued any orders related to the state’s emergency rule.
Expressing concern over unprofessional reporting, Maduenyi criticized bloggers and online platforms for prioritizing traffic and financial gain over accuracy. He urged the public to verify court-related information directly with the judiciary or its officials before publishing or sharing such reports.
