Political thugs in Benue State held 16 judges of the State High Court and the Customary Court of Appeal hostage for almost five hours last week.
This took place at the premises of the Benue State High Court Complex when the judges got trapped inside the Chambers of the State Chief Judge, Justice Maurice Ikpambese from about 10am to 3pm when the thugs left and they regained their freedom.
According to the Senior Special Assistant to the CJ on Media, Barrister Tobi Soniyi, trouble started around 9 am when most of the High Court Judges assembled at the Judiciary Guest House to hold a meeting to deliberate on recent developments with regard to the State Chief Judge.
Eyewitnesses said no sooner had they gathered than a highly placed government official who knew about the meeting went and brought the thugs to disrupt proceedings.
According to the eyewitnesses, Justice Ikpambese who also got wind of the planned disruption, called the judges to leave and come to his chambers at the High Court Complex.
The source said their departure coincided with the arrival of the thugs who immediately swooped on the security guards at the entrance and started manhandling them.
Public Relations Officer of the High Court, Mr Stephen Tsegba was also beaten by the thugs at the entrance to the Guest House and had to be rescued by some of them who knew him.
The hoodlums then proceeded to the nearby High Court Complex where they forced their way into the premises in the presence of heavily armed police and other security agents who appeared helpless as they made no efforts to arrest anyone or stop their entry.
Armed with irons rods and clubs, the thugs broke the door of the entrance to the Chambers of the Chief Judge and attempted to gain entry into where the judges were gathered before armed guards stopped them.
The siege lasted as the thugs surrounded the entire complex and appeared to be waiting for orders on what to do.
It was not until around 2:30 pm when the Makurdi Police Zonal Commander came and led the Chief Judge High Court and Customary Court of Appeal Judges out, including the Chief Judge, Justice Ikpambese, with the assurance that the thugs had dispersed.
The has however, called on the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to ensure judges across the country are protected.
The CJN, at a meeting with the Inspector General of Police in Abuja, said judges must feel safe to enable them discharge their duty without fear or favour.
Justice Kekere-Ekun also expressed concern over non-compliance with court orders by law enforcement agencies.
According to her, rule of law requires strict adherence to judicial decisions, and any act of disobedience undermines public trust in law enforcement and the judiciary.
He called on the IGP to issue clear directives ensuring that court judgments and orders are respected and implemented without delay.
Inspector General of Police assured the CJN that the police take protection of judges seriously.
He said that some states commands had already established judges protection units while others yet to do so have been instructed to do so immediately.
