NBA Yenagoa Boycotts Courts Over Kidnapping of High Court Judge Justice Umokoro
The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Yenagoa Branch has boycotted court activities in Bayelsa State following the abduction of Justice Ebiyerin Umokoro, a judge of the Bayelsa State High Court.
Justice Umokoro was kidnapped on Saturday evening at an eatery in the Ekeki area of Yenagoa, the state capital. Reports say he was waiting for his daughter—who had stepped inside to purchase bread—when he was forcefully taken by armed men dressed in police uniforms.
Reacting to the incident, Chairman of the NBA Yenagoa Branch, Somina Johnbull, condemned the abduction and called on security agencies to ensure the judge’s safe and unconditional release. He described Umokoro as a respected member of the judiciary and a former chairman of the NBA branch.
In solidarity, lawyers across Bayelsa State withdrew their services and stayed away from all court proceedings on Monday. According to Johnbull, the boycott would continue on a day-by-day basis depending on the situation and developments.
Lawyers gathered at the state judiciary headquarters, discussing the incident in groups, while consultations were ongoing between the NBA and security agencies.
Meanwhile, Bayelsa State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Alonyenu, assured the public that efforts were being intensified in collaboration with other security forces to rescue the judge. He said investigators were analyzing video footage, including social media clips, to identify and apprehend the kidnappers.
Governor Douye Diri also addressed the issue during his thank-you tour in Sagbama Local Government Area. He confirmed that the abduction was captured on CCTV and ordered security chiefs to ensure the judge is found alive and unharmed. He warned those involved, including any sponsors, that the state government would not tolerate acts of terror against its people.
Governor Diri also emphasized that Bayelsa’s significant investment in security infrastructure, such as surveillance cameras, would be instrumental in bringing the perpetrators to justice.
