NBA CLOSES COURTS DUE TO JUDGE A’IBOM HIGH COURT’S KIDNAPPING

The Nigeria Bar Association closed courts in Akwa Ibom state on Wednesday in protest at the kidnapping of Hon. Justice Joy Unwana, the state’s High Court Judge, and the death of her orderly.

After a protracted and year-ending court session, Unwana and her driver, Idorinyin Ekanem, were kidnapped by gunmen on Monday night at approximately 8 p.m. along the Okobo-Esuk Inwang – Ndon Ebom road. In the attack, her police orderly was slain.

NBA Chairman of Oron, Torosco Eyene Esq., led the demonstrators in song and held placards with a range of messages denouncing the kidnapping of the High Court Judge.

He pleaded with state governor Umo Eno and law enforcement agencies to see to it that the judge is freed right away.

In order to preserve the autonomy, honor, and effectiveness of the nation’s legal system, Eyene also promoted the creation of adequate infrastructure.

He said, “The branch condemned in the strongest terms the criminal, wicked and evil act of kidnap of Hon Justice I Unwana on Monday, December 18, 2023, on her way to Uyo after a long and last family court session for the year, wherein she made far-reaching orders in favour of numerous abandoned children as the nation moves towards the forthcoming Christmas and new year celebrations.

“The branch condemned the bestial assassination of Justice Unwana’s Orderly Inspector ThankGod Edet who was murdered in the line of duty and consoled with the deceased ‘s family and the Nigeria police.”

The Eyene lamented that thieves and kidnappers had taken refuge on the road. But in order to prevent future occurrences of this like, he pleaded with the authorities to complete the road immediately.

Chairman of Oron Branch Pioneer, Emmanuel Ukoh, for his part, requested the state government to investigate the circumstances surrounding the judge’s kidnapping.