Group Condemns Withdrawal of Police Orderly from Rivers Judge After Court Ruling

The Society for Rule of Law in Nigeria (SRLN) has condemned the withdrawal of a police orderly attached to a Rivers State judge who recently delivered a judgment against the Nigeria Police Force in suit number PHC/1785/CR/2024. The group described the move as an abuse of power and a threat to judicial independence.

In a statement released on Friday by its Coordinator, Dr. Chima Ubeku, SRLN called on the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to probe the circumstances surrounding the action and restore the judge’s security without delay. The group warned that such actions could intimidate judges and weaken public confidence in the justice system.

SRLN urged the Nigerian Bar Association, the National Judicial Council, and civil society groups to work together in defending the independence of the judiciary and ensuring the safety of judicial officers. It noted that no democracy can thrive if judges are left unprotected for decisions made in the course of their duties.

The controversy arose after the High Court of Rivers State, in the case between the Commissioner of Police and Joy Uwheraka and others, ruled in favour of twelve defendants accused of murder. The court found that the police had presented conflicting testimonies, fabricated evidence, and coerced statements during the trial. Video and forensic evidence presented in court reportedly contradicted the claims made by police witnesses, proving that the defendants were not involved in the alleged killing of a female officer.

Following the court’s decision, reports surfaced that the police authorities withdrew the judge’s orderly, a move widely viewed as retaliation. Legal observers have described it as an attempt to intimidate the judiciary and discourage judges from ruling independently in cases involving state authorities.

The group stated that the decision to remove the orderly shortly after the judgment sends a troubling message about the state of Nigeria’s democracy. It warned that punishing a judge for carrying out her lawful duties threatens the integrity of the judiciary and weakens the principles of justice and fairness upon which the nation stands.

SRLN stressed that the judiciary must be allowed to operate without fear or interference, adding that protecting judges from harassment and intimidation is essential to preserving public trust in the rule of law.