By Martins Abochol, Jalingo
Taraba CJ – Dec. 9, 2025
Justice Joel Agya, Chief Judge of Taraba State, has warned that the sudden withdrawal of police orderlies attached to judges in the state has exposed judicial officers to serious security risks. He raised the concern on Tuesday while receiving the Commissioner of Police, Taraba Command, Betty Isokpan, during a courtesy visit in Jalingo.
Agya explained that although President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had directed the withdrawal of police guards from VIPs nationwide, the Force Headquarters had earlier exempted judges and governors, noting that the law entitles them to police protection. He said all police orderlies attached to judges in Taraba were withdrawn without prior notice on December 8.
The Chief Judge described the development as a major threat to the administration of criminal justice in the state. According to him, judges handling sensitive political, criminal, terrorism and corruption cases now face heightened personal risk. He added that the absence of orderlies could compromise judicial independence and embolden intimidation within and outside the courtroom.
Agya stressed that courtrooms without adequate security could become unsafe, with the likelihood of harassment and disruption of proceedings. He called for constructive engagement between the judiciary and police authorities to urgently address the situation, insisting that effective justice delivery depends on close cooperation between both institutions.
Responding, Commissioner of Police Isokpan clarified that court orderlies had not been withdrawn. She said the directive from the Inspector General of Police affected only personal escorts and guards, not officers assigned to court duties or those posted to judges’ residences. She noted that the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps would complement police personnel where necessary.
The Commissioner maintained that every court is expected to have duty police officers present during proceedings, adding that any confusion likely arose from misunderstanding of the policy. She emphasised her respect for the judiciary and dismissed claims that she ordered the withdrawal of court security.
The NEWSPOINTER recalls that President Tinubu directed the Inspector General of Police to withdraw all police escorts attached to VIPs nationwide to strengthen security deployment for the general public.
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