By Our Crime Reporter
The Yenagoa Branch of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) on Monday embarked on a total boycott of courts across Bayelsa State, protesting the abduction of Justice E.G. Umokoro, a judge of the Bayelsa State High Court.
Justice Umokoro was kidnapped on Saturday evening by gunmen clad in police uniforms at an eatery in the Ekeki area of Yenagoa. The judge had accompanied his daughter, who had stepped into the shop to buy loaves of bread when he was forcefully taken away.
The shocking incident has sparked outrage within the legal community. Speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Chairman of the NBA Yenagoa Branch, Mr. Somina Johnbull, condemned the act in strong terms, describing it as an assault on the judiciary and the rule of law.
Johnbull, who noted that the abducted judge once served as chairman of the same NBA branch, called on security agencies to deploy all available resources to ensure his safe and unconditional release.
“We have decided to withdraw our legal services and stay away from all courtrooms across the state as a mark of protest and to demand justice,” Johnbull stated. “We are monitoring developments daily and will determine the duration of the boycott accordingly.”
Meanwhile, lawyers were seen in clusters around the judiciary headquarters in Yenagoa, discussing the disturbing development. The NBA leadership is said to be holding ongoing consultations with law enforcement bodies regarding the matter.
Bayelsa State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Francis Alonyenu, had on Sunday assured the public that the police, in collaboration with other security agencies, are actively working to rescue the judge unharmed. He added that the police are currently reviewing CCTV and social media video evidence linked to the abduction.
Governor Douye Diri has reportedly directed all security commanders in the state to prioritize the rescue operation and bring the perpetrators to justice.
The legal community and wider public await swift action and a resolution to what many describe as a brazen affront to the sanctity of the judiciary.
