The Chief Judge of Taraba State, Justice Joel Agya, has expressed serious concern over what he described as the sudden withdrawal of police orderlies attached to judges across the state. He warned that the development could endanger judicial officers and undermine the security and independence of the judiciary.
Justice Agya made the remarks on Tuesday during a courtesy visit by the Taraba State Commissioner of Police, Betty Isokpan, at the State Judiciary headquarters in Jalingo.
The issue has sparked confusion because the police commissioner denied that any withdrawal of judicial security had taken place, insisting that only personal escorts attached to Very Important Persons (VIPs) were affected. The disagreement has left many asking who is correct and what the situation truly is within the state judiciary.
Speaking during the visit, the Chief Judge explained that judges woke up on December 8 to discover that their police orderlies had been withdrawn without warning. He recalled that although President Bola Ahmed Tinubu recently ordered the withdrawal of police escorts from VIPs nationwide, the Police Force Headquarters had exempted governors and judges due to the sensitive and often risky nature of their duties.
The CJ said the complete withdrawal of orderlies in Taraba State was unexpected and troubling. He noted that judges, especially those presiding over high-profile criminal cases, depend heavily on police protection to perform their duties safely and independently.
“This is a direct threat to judicial security and independence. Without protection, courtrooms can become unsafe, and proceedings may be disrupted,” Justice Agya said.
Judges in Nigeria often handle cases involving violent crimes, political disputes, terrorism-related offenses, and land conflicts—all of which can expose them to threats. In many states, judges have previously reported intimidation, harassment, and physical threats linked to their rulings.
Justice Agya said the withdrawal could create an environment where criminal suspects feel emboldened, and judicial officers feel unsafe. Such a situation, he warned, could affect the quality of justice delivery in the state.
In her response, Commissioner of Police Betty Isokpan denied that police guards assigned to judges had been withdrawn. She said the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) had only directed the removal of personal escorts attached to VIPs who use police officers for private travel or non-official duties.
She stressed that officers posted to courtrooms and those stationed at judges’ official residences were not removed as claimed.
“Every court is expected to have duty police officers during proceedings. What we withdrew are only personal escorts who accompany VIPs to other states,” she explained.
The commissioner assured the Chief Judge that the judiciary remained a priority and that police officers would continue to provide protection for judges during court sessions and at their residences.
The disagreement in Taraba comes shortly after President Bola Ahmed Tinubu ordered a nationwide withdrawal of police orderlies attached to VIPs. The decision was part of a plan to boost general security by returning officers to core policing duties rather than serving private individuals.
Over the years, many Nigerians have criticized the heavy use of police officers as personal escorts for politicians, wealthy individuals, business owners, and private citizens. Some estimates suggest that thousands of officers are assigned to VIPs instead of patrolling communities or responding to emergencies.
The federal government said the policy shift is meant to reduce crime and strengthen policing across the country, particularly in rural areas and high-risk zones where police presence is weak.
However, the police leadership had reportedly exempted judges and governors from the withdrawal because they occupy sensitive positions and often face security threats related to their official duties.
This background has created confusion in Taraba, where judges say their orderlies have been withdrawn despite the exemption.
The judiciary is a key arm of government, responsible for interpreting the law and resolving disputes fairly. For judges to perform these duties effectively, they need a safe and secure environment.
Cases involving armed robbery, kidnapping, communal violence, terrorism, and political rivalries can expose judicial officers to danger. Some judges have faced threats to their lives because of decisions that affected criminal groups or powerful individuals.
Without adequate protection, legal experts warn, judges may become vulnerable to intimidation, pressure, or even violent attacks. This can weaken public trust in the justice system and threaten the rule of law.
Across Nigeria, there have been several attacks on courtrooms and judicial officers in recent years. Some states have struggled to provide enough security during high-risk trials, leading to disruptions, adjournments, and safety concerns.
For these reasons, both the federal government and the police have historically given priority to the protection of judges.
If there was indeed a misunderstanding or a misinterpretation of the IGP’s directive, they argue that both institutions must work together to ensure that judges receive the protection they require.
The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), which often advocates for the welfare and safety of judicial officers, may also step in to seek clarification and ensure that the judiciary in Taraba is not exposed to unnecessary risk.
Residents of the state, especially those involved in ongoing court cases, have also expressed concern that security issues could affect the smooth running of the courts.
Commissioner Isokpan reassured Justice Agya that she would investigate the concerns raised and ensure that any gaps in security coverage are corrected promptly. She also highlighted the importance of cooperation between the police and the judiciary for effective justice delivery.
For now, the judiciary awaits further clarification on whether the withdrawn officers will be reinstated or whether additional security arrangements will be made to address the concerns raised.
