THE police leadership in Abuja has reportedly thrown a security cordon
around judges in Ekiti State, as hearing is scheduled to reopen in cases
against the re-election of Mr Ayodele Fayose as the governor of the
state.The move by the police leadership was reportedly in response to the request by the National Judicial Council (NJC), following a series of alleged attacks on judges in the state by suspected loyalists of the governor-elect.
Nigerian Tribune also learnt that the council had officially written to
the acting Inspector-General of Police, Suleiman Abba, making formal
demands for the protection of the entire judiciary in the state.
The letter, according to an insider, was despatched to the police boss last week Friday, after the council’s emergency meeting on the matter last week Thursday.
Checks further revealed that while the council’s letter, signed by its chairman and Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Aloma Mariam Mukhtar, requested for improved security for all judges, it was very specific on judges handling suits involving the governor-elect.
According to information gathered, Justice I.O.I Ogunyemi, handling two suits challenging the qualification of Fayose to stand for the election, was specifically mentioned by the council for special protection.
Last night, an informed source told the Nigerian Tribune that the request of the council had been granted by the police highest hierarchy.
While the number of uniformed men had been reportedly increased around all the judges, much of the improved security for the judges was said to involve plain-cloth security officers.
Another judge with special security arrangement is said to be Justice Adeyeye, who was allegedly the worst victim of the alleged attacks.
The premises of the state high court also reportedly received improved security as demanded by the council.
The state Chief Judge, Justice Ayo Daramola, whose chamber was also allegedly vandalised in the course of the attack, was also listed for improved security.
The council is meeting on October 13 and 14 to consider developments on its request to the police boss and assess the situation in the state judiciary.
It is also likely that further actions would be taken on the crisis rocking the state judiciary over an alleged plan to use it to stop Fayose’s swearing-in on October 16.
Justice Daramola has been dragged before the CJN and the council by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), accusing him as the arrow-head of the said plot.
A council source disclosed that the CJN might be compelled to hand a direct order to Daramola on the said constitutional role.
It was also learnt that any judge that grants an ex parte order stalling the swearing-in might be toying with his/her job.
The letter, according to an insider, was despatched to the police boss last week Friday, after the council’s emergency meeting on the matter last week Thursday.
Checks further revealed that while the council’s letter, signed by its chairman and Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Aloma Mariam Mukhtar, requested for improved security for all judges, it was very specific on judges handling suits involving the governor-elect.
According to information gathered, Justice I.O.I Ogunyemi, handling two suits challenging the qualification of Fayose to stand for the election, was specifically mentioned by the council for special protection.
Last night, an informed source told the Nigerian Tribune that the request of the council had been granted by the police highest hierarchy.
While the number of uniformed men had been reportedly increased around all the judges, much of the improved security for the judges was said to involve plain-cloth security officers.
Another judge with special security arrangement is said to be Justice Adeyeye, who was allegedly the worst victim of the alleged attacks.
The premises of the state high court also reportedly received improved security as demanded by the council.
The state Chief Judge, Justice Ayo Daramola, whose chamber was also allegedly vandalised in the course of the attack, was also listed for improved security.
The council is meeting on October 13 and 14 to consider developments on its request to the police boss and assess the situation in the state judiciary.
It is also likely that further actions would be taken on the crisis rocking the state judiciary over an alleged plan to use it to stop Fayose’s swearing-in on October 16.
Justice Daramola has been dragged before the CJN and the council by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), accusing him as the arrow-head of the said plot.
A council source disclosed that the CJN might be compelled to hand a direct order to Daramola on the said constitutional role.
It was also learnt that any judge that grants an ex parte order stalling the swearing-in might be toying with his/her job.
No comments:
Post a Comment