The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Yenagoa Branch, has strongly condemned the abduction of Hon. Justice Ebiyerin Omukoro, a serving judge of the High Court of Bayelsa State, describing the act as not only an attack on the person of His Lordship but a grave threat to the independence of the judiciary and the rule of law.
Justice Omukoro was reportedly kidnapped by masked gunmen on Saturday evening, June 21st, 2025, at Kilimanjaro Eatery, directly opposite the popular Ekeki Park in Yenagoa.
According to sources, he had just returned from an engagement in Warri, Delta State, before the incident occurred.
In a strongly worded statement signed by the Chairman of the NBA Yenagoa Branch, Barr. Somina Johnbull, the association expressed deep concern over the rising insecurity targeting judicial officers.
The NBA Yenagoa has announced a symbolic boycott of all courts across Bayelsa State on Monday, 23rd June, 2025. The boycott will be accompanied by a solidarity protest march by legal practitioners.
Lawyers across the state are expected to converge at the High Court Headquarters in Yenagoa by 9:00 AM, fully robed in regulation attire, collar and bibs inclusive, in a show of unity and resistance.
According to the statement, protest letters will be formally delivered to the Bayelsa State Commissioner of Police and the State Director of the Department of State Services (DSS), demanding urgent and effective action to secure the immediate and safe release of the abducted judge.
The NBA emphasized that the protest is not just symbolic but a necessary action to defend the integrity of the legal profession and ensure that judicial officers can perform their duties without fear or threat.
As of the time of filing this report, Justice Omukoro’s whereabouts remain unknown, and security agencies are yet to issue an official statement on the matter.
Source; Channels News.
