In a shocking incident, armed hoodlums shot dead a Police Orderly and kidnapped the High Court Judge of Oron Judicial Division, Hon. Justice Joy Unwana, along with her driver. The incident occurred on the Uyo-Okobo Road in Uyo, the capital of Akwa Ibom state.
According to reports, the gunmen ambushed the Judge’s vehicle, fatally shooting the Police orderly and subsequently abducting Justice Unwana and her driver to an unknown destination. The incident took place on Monday, following the Judge’s Court session in Oron.
The chairman of the Oron Branch of the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA), Torosco Enyene, Esq, confirmed the incident, revealing that the association has scheduled a meeting with the State Commissioner of Police and the Department of State Services (DSS) on Wednesday to discuss the matter.
In response to the abduction, the Akwa Ibom State chapter of the Nigeria Bar Association staged a protest on Wednesday, resulting in the closure of courts. The NBA members, led by Torosco Eyene Esq., condemned the abduction and killing of the Judge’s orderly, Inspector ThankGod Edet.
Speaking during the protest, Eyene expressed strong condemnation for the criminal act and called on the state Governor, Umo Eno, and law enforcement agencies to ensure the timely release of the kidnapped judge. The NBA also called for the provision of adequate facilities for the judicial arm of government to ensure autonomy, dignity, and effectiveness.
The circumstances of the kidnapping, particularly along the Okobo-Esuk Inwang – Ndon Ebom road, known for criminal activities, were highlighted during the protest. The NBA called on the government to swiftly complete the road to prevent future occurrences.
Emmanuel Ukoh, the pioneer chairman of Oron Branch, added his voice to the call for a government investigation into the circumstances leading to the kidnapping of Justice Joy Unwana. The legal community stands united in seeking justice for the abducted judge and in remembrance of Inspector ThankGod Edet, who lost his life in the line of duty.
