A pot containing a rabbit, seven eggs, cowrie shells and palm oil was found nearby, the state News Agency of  Nigeria said.

“Abiodun said that he was sent by one of the principal officers of the state House of Assembly to perform some rituals in the court premises,” the agency said.

Hundreds of cases are being heard across Nigeria to resolve disputes arising from April elections that were so heavily rigged they were deemed not credible by international observers.

The witchdoctor’s rituals would have been intended to ensure that the challenge to the election of the legislator failed.