Human rights lawyer and advocate, Sir Ifeanyi Ejiofor, has strongly condemned the recent abduction of Justice E.G. Umokoro of the Bayelsa State High Court, describing it as a “deliberate affront” to the integrity of the judiciary and the rule of law. He called on security agencies to act swiftly and collaboratively to ensure the judge’s safe return.
Justice Umokoro was reportedly taken at gunpoint on Saturday evening at approximately 7:30 PM outside a restaurant in the Ekeki area of Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital.
The assailants, according to witnesses, were dressed in camouflage, raising concerns about the misuse of military-style uniforms to perpetrate criminal activity.
In a statement released Wednesday and titled “When Criminals Wear Camouflage – The Abduction of Hon. Justice E.G. Umokoro and the Call to Strengthen Nigeria’s Security Institutions,” Ejiofor described the incident as a wake-up call for renewed commitment to securing Nigeria’s institutions.
“This is not just a crime—it is an attack on the judiciary, one of the foundational pillars of our democracy,” Ejiofor stated. “Our response must reflect the seriousness of this violation.”
He noted that the use of camouflage uniforms by the perpetrators added a disturbing layer to the crime, exploiting public trust and hindering immediate response. Ejiofor called for regulatory measures to ensure that security uniforms are not misused by criminal elements.
“Camouflage should symbolise protection, not fear,” he said. “Its use in this context shows a pressing need for stricter enforcement and oversight.”
Citing recent incidents involving attacks on legal professionals, Ejiofor emphasized the importance of safeguarding the judiciary and restoring public confidence in the nation’s security infrastructure.
“Our security agencies must act in concert. The police, DSS, military, and civil defense must rise above bureaucracy to deliver timely and coordinated responses when such acts threaten national cohesion,” he urged.
Ejiofor appealed to authorities at all levels to prioritize the judiciary’s protection, underscoring that the safety of judges is directly linked to public trust in justice and governance.
“The abduction of a High Court judge in a state capital should prompt serious institutional introspection and collective action. Justice must not only be done—it must be safe to do,” he explained.
While acknowledging the ongoing efforts of law enforcement, Ejiofor reiterated the need for urgent reforms to improve inter-agency collaboration and proactive security measures.
His statement ends with a firm call for justice to be defended by protecting the legal institutions from its vulnerability noting that the rights of citizens are at risk when justice is threatened.
Lateefah Ibrahim