The Chief Judge of Taraba State, Justice Joel Agya, has voiced significant apprehension regarding the recent removal of police orderlies assigned to judges within the state, cautioning that this action presents a serious risk to the security of the judiciary. Justice Agya conveyed his worries on Tuesday while receiving the Taraba State Commissioner of Police, Betty Isokpan, during her courtesy visit in Jalingo. He recalled that although President Bola Tinubu had previously mandated the nationwide withdrawal of police guards from Very Important Persons (VIPs), the Police Force Headquarters had explicitly excluded judges and governors because of the sensitive nature of their official duties. Despite this stated exemption, the Chief Judge indicated that the police orderlies assigned to judicial officers throughout the state were removed on December 8 without any advance notification. He argued that this development jeopardizes the personal safety of judges, particularly those presiding over critical criminal cases. He asserted that this situation constitutes a direct threat to the security and independence of the judiciary, warning that without adequate protection, courtrooms could become vulnerable and legal proceedings could be interrupted. In response, the Commissioner of Police, Betty Isokpan, refuted the claim that court orderlies had been withdrawn. She clarified that the Inspector-General of Police’s directive only affected personal police escorts who were attached to VIPs. She insisted that officers assigned to routine court duties and those posted at judges’ residences remain in place. She explained that every court is expected to have police officers on duty during proceedings and that the only personnel withdrawn were the personal escorts who typically accompany VIPs when traveling to other states. This situation follows President Bola Tinubu’s recent directive to withdraw police officers attached to VIPs nationwide, an effort intended to enhance security for the general public.
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