Suspected thugs on Monday invaded the premises of the Edo State High Court in Benin in an attempt to disrupt the pre-hearing session on the disputed September 21 governorship election results.

The election, which saw Monday Okpebholo of the All Progressives Congress (APC) emerge victorious, is being challenged by seven opposition parties.

Supporters of the opposing parties were present at the court when they were suddenly attacked by unidentified individuals outside the courtroom.

Security agents quickly sprang into action, blocking the court entrance and setting up a roadblock along the route leading to the court.

Okpebholo polled 291,667 votes, defeating his main opponent, Asue Ighodalo of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who received 247,274 votes. The Labour Party candidate, Olumide Akpata, finished a distant third with 22,763 votes.

The APC emerged victorious in 11 out of the 18 local government areas, while the PDP secured wins in seven.