The recent incident where thugs held judges of the Benue State High Court hostage for hours is a stark reminder of the dangers of political thuggery in Nigeria.

It’s utterly shameful that the temple of justice was desecrated in such a brazen manner, with the perpetrators showing no regard for the law or the safety of others. The fact that this incident occurred amidst a security presence is even more alarming, as it suggests a lack of will or capacity to protect the judiciary and uphold the rule of law.

The judges were trapped inside the Chief Judge’s chambers for nearly five hours, while the thugs vandalized the office door and attacked security personnel. This incident is not an isolated one, unfortunately. Nigeria has a history of political thuggery, with similar incidents occurring in the past.

 If drastic action is not taken to address this menace, it portends a dangerous future for Nigeria. We at the African Women Lawyers Association (AWLA) are particularly concerned about the impact of this violence on women and children, who are often the most vulnerable in such situations. As we have seen time and again, when the rule of law breaks down, it is women and children who suffer the most. That’s why we at AWLA are crying out to the government to act now. We urge the authorities to take immediate and decisive action to bring the perpetrators to justice, and to ensure that such incidents do not recur.

 Furthermore, we emphasize the dire need to protect the judiciary, grant it autonomy, and provide special high-level security to avert such future occurrences. The judiciary is the cornerstone of democracy, and its independence and integrity must be safeguarded at all costs.

 To achieve this, we recommend the following:

 1. Autonomy for the Judiciary: The judiciary must be granted full autonomy to operate independently, free from interference or intimidation.

2. Special Security Arrangements: High-level security measures must be put in place to protect judges, court staff, and facilities from violence and intimidation.

3. Enhanced Protection for Judges: Judges must be provided with enhanced security protection, including armed guards, secure transportation, and safe accommodations.

4. Judicial Reform: Comprehensive judicial reform is necessary to address the systemic issues that have led to this crisis, including corruption, inefficiency, and lack of accountability.

 5. Government Commitment: The government must demonstrate a clear commitment to upholding the rule of law, protecting the judiciary, and ensuring justice for all.

We cannot afford to wait any longer. The safety and well-being of Nigerians and the judiciary depend on it. We demand action now.

 Sincerely,

Mandy Demechi-Asagba

President

African Women Lawyers Association (AWLA)

20/2/2025

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