The Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Mahmud Mohammed has said the invasion and arrest of judges in some states in Nigeria by the DSS is totally sad and regrettable. Following the arrest of two Justices of the Supreme Court and other judges by the Department of State Services, the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Mahmud Mohammed, has finally spoken.
He termed the invasion of the houses of the judges as regrettable and sad. While speaking on Monday at the valedictory court session held in honour of a retiring Justice of the Supreme Court, Justice Suleiman Galadima, Justice Mohammed said the National Judicial Court would meet on Tuesday to take a position on the incident.
Mohammed commended the Nigerian Bar Association for the step that it had so far taken on the matter.
He said, “My lords, invited guests, ladies and gentlemen, not to detract from this occasion, it is indeed very saddening and deeply regrettable, the distressing and unfortunate incident which occurred on Friday, October 7 and Saturday, October 8, 2016.
“However, I must ask all Nigerians to remain calm and prayerful, as emergency meeting of the National Judicial Council, which will take place tomorrow (Tuesday), will comprehensively look into the matter.
“Furthermore, I must express my sincere appreciation to the executive of the Nigerian Bar Association ably led by the President, Abubakar Mahmoud (SAN), and indeed all members of the legal profession for their prompt action and continued support.”
It would be recalled that some days ago, the DSS pulled off a raid at the houses of some judges in the country. They arrested Sylvester Ngwuta and Inyang Okoro, both of the Supreme Court on allegations of corruption.
The DSS further arrested the suspended Presiding Justice of the Court of Appeal, Ilorin Division, Justice Mohammed Tsamiya; Justice Kabiru Auta of the Kano State High Court and Justice Adeniyi Ademola of the Federal High Court, Abuja.
Not done, the agency also arrested a former Chief Judge of Enugu State, Justice I. A. Umezulike, and Muazu Pindiga of the Federal High Court, Gombe Division.
A confrontation ensued in Rivers State after Governor Nyesom Wike allegedly stopped the DSS from arresting a judge in the state.
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