On Wednesday, the Nigeria Bar Association’s Akwa Ibom State chapter closed courts in protest against the abduction of High Court Judge Hon. Justice Joy Unwana and the fatal shooting of her orderly in the state.
Unwana and her driver, Idorinyin Ekanem, while returning to Uyo after a long and last family court session for the year, were at about 8 pm kidnapped on Monday along the Okobo-Esuk Inwang – Ndon Ebom road by gunmen. Her police orderly, Inspector ThankGod Edet was killed in the attack.
The NBA Chairman in the Oron Branch, Torosco Eyene Esq., who led members in the protest sang solidarity songs and displayed placards with various inscriptions.
Speaking while addressing the protesters, Eyene condemned in strong terms the abduction of the Judge and described it as wicked.
He called on the state Governor, Umo Eno, and the law enforcement agency to ensure the timely release of the judge.
Eyene also called for adequate provision of facilities for the judicial arm of government to ensure autonomy, dignity and effectiveness.
He said, “The branch condemned in the strongest terms the criminal, wicked and evil act of kidnap of Hon Justice I Unwana on Monday, December 18, 2023, on her way to Uyo after a long and last family court session for the year, wherein she made far-reaching orders in favour of numerous abandoned children as the nation moves towards the forthcoming Christmas and new year celebrations.
“The branch condemned the bestial assassination of Justice Unwana’s Orderly Inspector ThankGod Edet who was murdered in the line of duty and consoled with the deceased ‘s family and the Nigeria police.”
While frowning at the circumstances of the kidnap along the road which he said has been infested with kidnappers and criminals, the Eyene called on the government to complete the road without delay to prevent future occurrence.
Also speaking the pioneer chairman of Oron Branch, Emmanuel Ukoh, called on the state government to investigate the circumstances leading to the kidnap of the judge.
