‘Our Lives at Risk’: Taraba Chief Judge Raises Alarm Over Police Withdrawal from Judges

By Micheal Chukwuebuka

Justice Joel Agya, Chief Judge of Taraba State, has raised concerns over the sudden withdrawal of police orderlies from judges, warning that it poses serious risks to judicial security and the administration of criminal justice. He noted that police officers attached to all judiciary offices in the state were withdrawn on December 8, 2025, without prior notice, leaving judges vulnerable.

Agya stressed that judges handling sensitive criminal, political, terrorism, and corruption cases face high security risks without protection. He emphasized that judicial independence extends beyond freedom from interference to include protection from intimidation, adding that court security is crucial for maintaining order, decorum, and fairness. The Chief Judge urged swift action and constructive engagement to address the issue, highlighting that effective judicial work depends heavily on collaboration with the police.

During a courtesy visit by Taraba State Commissioner of Police, Betty Isokpan, she clarified that court orderlies were not withdrawn. She explained that the withdrawal policy applied only to personal police escorts for VIPs and not to officers stationed in courts or judges’ residences. Isokpan reassured that court duty officers remain in place and highlighted that personnel from the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps would support police services for VIPs.

She further noted that the directive from President Bola Tinubu, which called for the withdrawal of police orderlies from VIPs nationwide, aimed to reallocate security to the general public. Isokpan stressed the importance of institutional dialogue and cooperation for effective governance, while reaffirming her respect for judges and commitment to their protection.

This development underscores the delicate balance between public security priorities and the safety and independence of the judiciary.