Taraba Chief Judge Raises the Alarm Over Sudden Withdrawal of Police Protection for Judges

Taraba State Chief Judge, Justice Joel Agya, has expressed deep concern over what he described as the sudden and unexplained withdrawal of police orderlies attached to judges across the state, warning that the move puts judicial officers at serious risk.

Justice Agya, who raised the alarm on Monday, said all police officers assigned to judges were withdrawn on December 8, 2025, without any prior communication to the judiciary.

He noted that the development leaves judges exposed, especially those presiding over sensitive criminal, political, terrorism, and corruption cases.

He stressed that judicial independence is not limited to freedom from interference but also includes the protection of judges from intimidation or threats.

According to him, adequate court security is fundamental to maintaining order, decorum, and the fairness required for the administration of justice.

The Chief Judge called for urgent intervention and constructive dialogue to resolve the issue, emphasising that the judiciary’s work relies heavily on its operational relationship with the police.

However, during a courtesy visit to the judiciary, Taraba State Commissioner of Police, Betty Isokpan, clarified that the command did not withdraw court orderlies assigned to judicial officers.

She explained that the enforcement action undertaken by the police affected only personal police escorts attached to VIPs, not officers stationed in courts.

Justice Agya urged continued cooperation between the judiciary and the police, insisting that ensuring the safety of judges is essential for justice to thrive in the state.