African Bar Association Condemns DSS’ Arrest of Judges

The African Bar Association (AFBA) says it is shocked about the arrest of some judges and invasion their homes by security agents in Nigeria.

AFBA President, Hannibal Uwaifo, said that the action of the security agents was a violation of the principles of the rule of law and tenets of separation of power.

“The AFBA demands the immediate release of all detained judges and judicial officers, the stoppage of further invasion of their homes under any guise and strict obedience to the rule of law. The African Bar believes that these grave violations represent a serious setback for growth and development and will not portray Nigeria and Africa well in the international arena,” AFBA in a statement.

Uwaifo said that the association would work with the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) to ensure that the violation was quickly and decisively addressed.

He added that although AFBA condemned corruption, it would not tolerate the use of “gestapo tactics” or any other extra legal means to address it.

Operatives of the Department of State Service, on Friday and Saturday, invaded the homes of some judges and made some arrests.