An Akwa Ibom state high court judge, Justice Joy Uwanna, and her driver were kidnapped by gunmen on Monday in the state’s Oron Local Government Area.
According to reports, her orderly was killed by the gunmen in the attack on Uyo-Okobo Road.
Torosco Eyene, chairman of the Oron branch of the Nigeria Bar Association, confirmed the development to our correspondent on Tuesday, saying the judge was kidnapped by gunmen along the Okobo axis on her way to Uyo after a court sitting.
He stated that “The sitting judge in Oron was kidnapped on Monday on her way back to Uyo after a court sitting. By Wednesday, we are moving down to Uyo to meet with the Commissioner of Police, Olatoye Durusinmi, and the DSS on the issue.”
When contacted, Odiko Macdon, the state police public relations officer, described the incident as unfortunate and stated that the CP has ordered a discreet investigation into the incident.
On Wednesday, the Commissioner of Police and the Department of State Services met.
He said, “It’s very unfortunate that a judge who presides over a high court has been kidnapped.
“The command under the CP, Olatoye Durusinmi, has ordered a discreet investigation.
“As we speak, no stone will be left unturned, and resources will be harnessed to ensure that Her Lordship is reunited with her family any moment from now.
“I have spoken with the family of the deceased officer, who, until his death, was orderly to the judge. Justice will be served, and the perpetrators will be brought to book.”
