Presidential Security Withdrawal Order Excludes Judges – CJN Clarifies

The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, has clarified that the recent presidential directive concerning the withdrawal of police personnel assigned to Very Important Persons (VIPs) does not include judges. This directive, which is part of a broader national effort to address escalating security challenges in Nigeria, primarily targets the security arrangements of political office holders and other high-profile individuals.

Justice Kekere-Ekun’s statement was relayed on Saturday through her official media aide, Tobi Soniyi, who emphasized that the judicial officers remain fully protected under existing security protocols. This assurance comes amid rising concerns about personal safety and the increasing incidents of violent crime across the country.

The clarification was prompted by reports from the Chief Judge of Taraba State, Justice Joel Agya, who had raised alarms over the withdrawal of police orderlies from judges within the state. Justice Agya described the development as a serious threat to the safety of judicial officers, noting that judges often handle sensitive cases that could attract criminal or terrorist attention.

The CJN reiterated that judges and other judicial personnel remain exempt from the presidential security withdrawal order, underscoring the importance of ensuring the independence and safety of the judiciary. Legal experts have also highlighted that such security measures are vital for maintaining public confidence in the judicial system and ensuring uninterrupted administration of justice.

Security in Nigeria has been a growing concern, with the government taking steps to recalibrate VIP protections without compromising the safety of key constitutional officeholders. By explicitly excluding judges from the withdrawal directive, the presidency aims to balance national security objectives with the critical need to protect the judiciary.

The CJN’s intervention has been welcomed by judicial associations across the country, who view it as a reassuring step to safeguard the independence of the judiciary. Stakeholders have also called for continuous collaboration between the police and judicial authorities to ensure that security protocols remain effective and responsive to emerging threats.

As Nigeria continues to navigate complex security challenges, such clarifications help maintain transparency and trust in governmental directives, ensuring that public servants, including judges, can perform their duties without fear of targeted attacks.