CJN: Presidential Order on Security Withdrawal Doesn’t Affect Judges

The Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, has clarified that the presidential directive to withdraw police officers from Very Important Personalities (VIPs) does not apply to judges. This statement was made by the CJN’s media aide, Tobi Soniyi, following concerns raised by the Chief Judge of Taraba State, Justice Joel Agya, who reported that police orderlies assigned to judges in the state were withdrawn, posing a security risk.

Justice Agya emphasized that judges handling sensitive cases, including terrorism and corruption, are vulnerable to danger without adequate security. He stressed that removing security details compromises judicial independence and could disrupt court proceedings.

The CJN’s office is unaware of any withdrawal of police orderlies from judges and questions the rationale behind such action, given the exemption. Other judges have not reported similar security withdrawals.