Taraba State Chief Judge, Justice Joel Agya, has sounded the alarm over what he described as a dangerous gap in judicial security following the sudden withdrawal of police orderlies attached to judges in the state. According to him, all police escorts assigned to judiciary officers were pulled out on 8 December 2025 without prior notice, leaving judges vulnerable—especially those overseeing high-risk criminal, political, terrorism, and corruption cases.
Justice Agya warned that the absence of security does not only endanger the lives of judges but also threatens the integrity and smooth operation of the criminal justice system. Judicial independence, he emphasized, includes protection from intimidation, and adequate court security is essential for maintaining order, fairness, and public confidence in the judiciary. He called for urgent intervention and constructive engagement with security agencies to prevent possible threats and ensure effective court operations.
However, during a courtesy visit to the judiciary, Taraba State Commissioner of Police, Betty Isokpan, clarified that police orderlies attached to courts and judges’ residences were not withdrawn. She explained that the policy affected only personal escorts of VIPs across the state, not court duty officers. According to her, police personnel remain stationed in courts, while the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) will reinforce VIP protection where necessary.
Commissioner Isokpan noted that the directive originated from President Bola Tinubu, who ordered a nationwide withdrawal of VIP escorts to free up officers for general public security. She emphasized that effective governance requires constant dialogue and cooperation between institutions, reaffirming her respect for the judiciary and commitment to safeguarding judges.
The development highlights growing tensions between national security reforms and the need to protect judicial officers who play pivotal roles in maintaining law and order.
