The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) in Yenagoa has condemned the abduction of Justice Ebiyerin Omukoro, a sitting judge of the Bayelsa State High Court.
The NBA described the incident as not only a direct assault on the judge but also a serious threat to the judiciary’s independence and the rule of law.
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Justice Omukoro was kidnapped by armed men wearing masks on the evening of Saturday, 21st June 2025, at Kilimanjaro Eatery, located opposite Ekeki Park in Yenagoa.
Sources revealed that the judge had just returned from an official trip to Warri, Delta State, before the kidnapping took place.
In a statement signed by Barr. Somina Johnbull, Chairman of the NBA Yenagoa Branch, the association expressed grave concern over the increasing danger faced by judicial officers in the country.
NBA further declared a boycott of court proceedings across Bayelsa State scheduled for Monday, 23rd June 2025.
The boycott will coincide with a solidarity march by members of the legal profession.
Lawyers across the state have been directed to assemble at the Bayelsa State High Court premises in Yenagoa by 9:00 AM, fully dressed in their complete court regalia, including collars and bibs, to demonstrate unity and collective outrage.
The association also announced plans to deliver protest letters to the Bayelsa State Commissioner of Police and the State Director of the Department of State Services (DSS), demanding swift and decisive action to ensure the safe and immediate release of Justice Omukoro.
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The NBA stressed that the protest is not merely symbolic but a crucial step in safeguarding the integrity of the judiciary and guaranteeing that judges can carry out their responsibilities without intimidation or fear for their safety.
At the time of this report, the whereabouts of Justice Omukoro remain unknown, and security authorities have yet to provide an official update on the situation.
