The Nigerian Bar Association Yenagoa branch has announced a boycott of all court activities following the weekend kidnapping of Justice Ebiyerin Omukoro of the Bayelsa State High Court, describing the incident as a direct assault on Nigeria’s judiciary.

In a protest letter issued Monday, NBA Yenagoa Chairman Somina Johnbull declared the boycott as “a solemn but powerful demonstration of solidarity with the abducted judge,” emphasizing the gravity of attacks on judicial officers.

“This is not merely an attack on Justice Omukoro as an individual. It is an attack on the entire justice system and the independence of the judiciary,” Johnbull stated, highlighting concerns about rising insecurity targeting the judiciary.

Justice Omukoro was abducted Saturday evening by masked gunmen at Kilimanjaro Eatery, located opposite Ekeki Park in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital. The high court judge was seized in broad daylight, sending shockwaves through the legal community.

As of Monday, the kidnappers have not contacted the judge’s family or relatives, leaving authorities and loved ones without communication from the abductors regarding ransom demands or the judge’s condition.

The NBA chairman urged security agencies nationwide to intensify rescue efforts for the missing jurist, expressing frustration over the vulnerability of judicial officers to criminal attacks.

Johnbull revealed that while association members had initially planned street protests against security agencies including the Department of State Services, they opted instead for the court boycott and press conference approach.

The incident reflects growing concerns about the safety of judicial officers across Nigeria, with the NBA expressing alarm over what it termed “the rising trend of insecurity, especially targeted attacks on judicial officers.”

The boycott effectively suspends court activities in Yenagoa, affecting ongoing cases and legal proceedings as lawyers demonstrate their commitment to judicial security and the rule of law.

______________________________________________________________________ “Artificial Intelligence for Lawyers: A Comprehensive Guide”, authored by Ben Ijeoma Adigwe Esq., ACiarb (UK), LL.M, Dip. in Artificial Intelligence, Director at the Delta State Ministry of Justice, Asaba, Nigeria. How to Order: 📞 Call, Text, or WhatsApp: 08034917063 | 07055285878 📧 Email: benadigwe1@gmail.com 🌎 Website: www.benadigwe.com Ebook Version: Access it directly online at https://selar.com/prv626     ______________________________________________________________________ Explore Nigeria’s Constitutional System — 17 Chapters, 924 Pages Of Insight By Prof. Hagler Sunny Okorie
“Constitutional Law and Constitutionalism in Nigeria” By Prof. Hagler Sunny Okorie
Call to Order Your Copy: 📞 0803 766 7945 | 0802 863 6615 | 0803 225 3813 ✉️ haglersoco@gmail.com 🏢 Winners Chambers, 135 Ehi Road, Aba, Abia State ______________________________________________________________________ “Timely And Groundbreaking” — Babalola, Nnawuchi Release Casebook On Privacy & Data Protection In NigeriaA timely new publication, Casebook on Privacy & Data Protection in Nigeria, co-authored by Olumide Babalola and Uchenna Nnawuchi, 📘 Casebook on Privacy & Data Protection in Nigeria is now available on Amazon: https://a.co/d/8TmFZrd ______________________________________________________________________ The books are available for purchase at: Online: www.educodex.com | www.selar.com | www.amazon.com | www.mikeozekhome.com Enquiries: +234 704 044 9375 | +234 814 813 4773 | +234 816 872 3532 Email: educodexl@gmail.com ______________________________________________________________________

[A MUST HAVE] Evidence Act Demystified With Recent And Contemporary Cases And Materials

“Evidence Act: Complete Annotation” by renowned legal experts Sanni & Etti.
Available now for NGN 40,000 at ASC Publications, 10, Boyle Street, Onikan, Lagos. Beside High Court, TBS. Email publications@ayindesanni.com or WhatsApp +2347056667384. Purchase Link: https://paystack.com/buy/evidence-act-complete-annotation ______________________________________________________________________