On October 29, the Chief Magistrate Court in Potiskum was violently disrupted by armed officers from the Yobe State Police Command, who forcibly removed two of their colleagues facing charges of criminal conspiracy and robbery. The sudden invasion caused panic among court staff, lawyers, and litigants, leading many to flee the premises for their safety.
The detained officers, Abdullahi Aji Bulama and Mr. Kabir (ATO), had previously been convicted by Chief Magistrate Hadiza Gimba. Their absence in subsequent court sessions was attributed to multiple adjournments and the police command’s refusal to comply with court summons and orders.
In a formal letter to the Chief Registrar of the High Court of Justice in Damaturu, the Chief Magistrate Court accused the Yobe State Police Command of obstructing justice by declining to accept official summons.
Dungus Abdulkarim, the Public Relations Officer for the Yobe State Police Command, responded to media inquiries by stating that the case is still under investigation and that the command is awaiting the conclusion of their internal review.
In retaliation to the court disruption, the Yobe State chapter of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has strongly condemned the police action. During an emergency meeting, the NBA issued a resolution demanding the immediate removal, thorough investigation, and prosecution of the Area Commander of the Potiskum zone and all officers involved in the armed raid.
The NBA emphasized the necessity for the police to adhere to the court’s directives, specifically requesting the return of the convicts to the Medium Correctional Centre Potiskum as ordered by the court in case No. YBS/PT/CMC/32DC/2024.
Furthermore, the NBA contended that prosecuting accused individuals in magistrate courts falls under the jurisdiction of the Attorney General of Yobe State, as stipulated in section 211 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).
In light of the unresolved issues, the NBA announced a state-wide court boycott commencing on November 4, 2024, and extending for two days from November 6 to November 7, 2024. This boycott serves as a preliminary measure ahead of a 14-day ultimatum directed at the Commissioner of Police Yobe State to address and resolve the matter.
Yobe NBA Chairman Y. Muhammad stated, “Our actions are a necessary response to uphold the rule of law and ensure that judicial processes are respected and followed without interference from law enforcement agencies.”
