The leadership of the Nigerian Bar Association Yenagoa branch has announced the boycott of court processes following the abduction of Justice Ebiyerin Omukoro of the Bayelsa State High Court.
The chapter, in a protest letter issued on Monday, described the abduction of the judge as a direct assault on the judiciary and a grave threat to the rule of law.
Somina Johnbull, the chapter’s chairman said the association would be boycotting activities in the court as a solemn but powerful demonstration of solidarity with the abducted judge.
According to Johnbull, it is important for security agencies across the country to intensify efforts towards the safe rescue of the jurist.
The Bayelsa High Court judge was kidnapped on Saturday, June 21, by some masked gunmen at Kilimanjaro Eatery, opposite Ekeki Park in Yenagoa.
While his abductors are yet to contact his family or relatives, the NBA said the association is deeply concerned about the state of insecurity targeting judicial officers.
Johnbull also stated that although members of the NBA had planned to embark on a protest against security agencies including the Department of State Services, they would rather boycott court processes and hold a press conference in that regard.
“This is not merely an attack on Justice Omukoro as an individual. It is an attack on the entire justice system and the independence of the judiciary. We are deeply concerned about the rising trend of insecurity, especially targeted attacks on judicial officers,” Johnbull said.
