The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has condemned in strong terms the abduction of Justice Ebiyerin Goodness Omukoro of the Bayelsa State High Court, who was kidnapped on Saturday in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital.

In a statement issued through its official X handle (@NigBarAssoc), the NBA described the incident as a “rude shock” and an outright assault on the nation’s judiciary.

The association noted that the Bayelsa branch of the Bar is already in touch with the NBA National Secretariat.

“How a serving judge was kidnapped by persons in uniform is a further indictment of our security architecture. This paints a dire image of our judicial system,” the statement read.

NBA President, Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN, who signed the statement, expressed concern over the deteriorating security situation and the implications of such acts on the justice system.

“The dignity of human persons is sacrosanct, more so that of a judge,” he said, calling on the Bayelsa State Government and security agencies to redouble efforts to ensure Justice Omukoro’s swift and safe return.