Legal Advocacy Group Condemns Police Over Withdrawal of Judge’s Orderly After Landmark Ruling in Rivers State

Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Henry Owen

The Society for Rule of Law in Nigeria (SRLN) has issued a strong condemnation of the Nigeria Police Force over the alleged withdrawal of a police orderly attached to Justice Chinelo Wogu of the Rivers State High Court. The move reportedly came shortly after the judge delivered a judgment acquitting twelve defendants in a high-profile murder case.

In a landmark decision in Suit No. PHC/1785/CR/2024, Justice Wogu discharged and acquitted the twelve defendants who had been on trial for alleged murder stemming from a roadside altercation.

Delivering her ruling, Justice Wogu held that the prosecution failed to prove its case beyond reasonable doubt, pointing to several contradictions and inconsistencies in the testimonies of the police witnesses. The judge described portions of the investigation as “reckless” and “an abuse of judicial process,” noting that the evidence presented was fabricated and unreliable.

“The court cannot rely on unsubstantiated claims and contradictory evidence to convict. Justice must never be built on conjecture or intimidation,” Justice Wogu declared in her judgment.

Following the verdict, reports emerged that the Nigeria Police withdrew the judge’s official orderly—a development that has sparked outrage among legal and civil rights groups.

In a statement issued in Abuja, the Society for Rule of Law in Nigeria (SRLN) described the action as “an act of intimidation and a blatant abuse of power.” The group warned that the move sends a dangerous signal to the judiciary and threatens the independence of the courts.

“This is nothing short of retaliation against a judge for performing her constitutional duty. Such conduct undermines judicial independence and erodes public confidence in the justice system,” the SRLN said.

The organization called on the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to immediately restore the judge’s security detail and reaffirm the police’s commitment to respecting the rule of law.

The SRLN further urged the National Judicial Council (NJC), the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), and other civil society organizations to speak out in defense of the judiciary, stressing that no democracy can thrive where judges are punished for doing their jobs.

Legal experts have also expressed concern that the incident reflects a broader pattern of tension between security agencies and the judiciary, warning that such interference could deter judges from delivering impartial verdicts in sensitive cases involving state actors.

As of press time, the Nigeria Police Force has not issued an official statement addressing the allegations.

The SRLN’s statement concludes with a reminder that the strength of Nigeria’s democracy lies in the independence of its judiciary, urging authorities to protect those entrusted with upholding justice, rather than intimidate them.

📰 Stone Reporter News