The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Yenagoa Branch has condemned the outburst of Commissioner of Police Mr Francis Idu over the release of a kidnap suspect by a Bayelsa High Court Judge.

The NBA described Idu’s reaction to a judgement that discharged the suspect as unrespectful comments against the Judiciary and Justice S.W. Amadubougha of the High Court of Bayelsa.

The Yenagoa branch of NBA reaction is contained in a statement by its Chairman Somina Johnbull made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Saturday in Yenagoa.

The Bayelsa Commissioner of Police had in a press conference, raised alarm over Justice Amadubogha’s judgement which freed an accused kidnapper who is suspected mastermind of the recent murder of a businessman upon regaining freedom.

The Commissioner of Police had said that he withdrew the police orderly to the judge and contemplated the arrest of the judge for accessory to crime but prevailed on to exercise restraint.

The NBA In the statement noted that the action of CP Idu was contrary to the Police Act and deviated from the exemplary and dignifying conduct of the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun.

The NBA said the comment by Idu, if true, was not only an abuse of his office but also questioned his suitability to occupy the exalted office of the Commissioner of Police.

“The open attack on the justice system and Justice Amadubogha is condemnable and unmask an attempt to intimidate and stampede the Judiciary which all men and women of goodwill ought to stand up to condemn.

“Cases are decided only on the strength of the admissible evidence tendered and evaluated by the Court. If CP Idu is dissatisfied about the judgement, the civilised thing to do is to lodge an appeal against the judgement, not to demonise the Judge in a media conference.

“It is even more shocking that CP Idu boasted that he would have ordered the arrest of Justice Amadubogha! What an effrontery!

“However, CP Idu ought to know that whatever office he occupies, the law is higher than him. The machinery of civil and criminal processes cannot be activated against a Judge for acts done in an official capacity.

“The Supreme Court in FRN v Nganjiwa (2022) 17 NWLR (PT 1860) 407 has ex-cathedra and stated that this position loudly and same binds CP Idu.

“Unfortunately, we have just been informed that on account of the judgement delivered which displeased CP Idu, the police order of Justice Amadubogha has been recalled. We call on the police authorities to restore the security courtesies of Justice Amadubogha forthwith.

“We shall promptly forward the press report of CP Idu to the President as well as the National Executive Committee of the NBA for attempting to cow judges in Bayelsa and railroading them to give judgments that would only be complimentary to him.

“CP Idu is hereby called upon to either make a disclaimer if he was wrongly quoted or render a public apology for his unfortunate outburst against the Judiciary.” The NBA statement read in part.

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