The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Damaturu Branch has strongly condemned the recent armed invasion of the Chief Magistrate Court in Potiskum by policemen from the Area Command Potiskum on October 29, 2024.

The incident, which disrupted court proceedings and threatened the independence of the judiciary, has drawn sharp criticism from the legal community.
According to reports, armed police officers stormed the courtroom, causing panic among court staff, lawyers, and litigants. The officers forcefully removed two individuals, Abdullahi Aji Bulama and Mr. Kabir (ATO), who had been convicted and sentenced by Chief Magistrate 1, Her Worship Hadiza Ahmed Gimba, in case No. YBS/PT/CMC/32DC/2024.

In a letter addressed to the Commissioner of Police, Yobe State Command, the NBA Damaturu Branch outlined its resolutions and demands, including:

1. A public condemnation of the unlawful action by the Yobe State Police Command and a commitment to respecting the judiciary’s independence.
2. The immediate removal, investigation, and prosecution of the Area Commander of Potiskum and all officers involved in the invasion.
3. Compliance with the lawful order of Chief Magistrate Court 1, Potiskum, by returning the convicted individuals to the Medium Correctional Centre in Potiskum.
4. Adherence to constitutional roles, with the Honorable Attorney General of Yobe State being responsible for prosecuting accused persons in all Magistrates’ Courts across the state.
5. Formal notification of all relevant stakeholders within the Yobe State judiciary and government regarding the concerns and resolutions.

The NBA Damaturu Branch emphasized that it cannot condone actions that jeopardize the rule of law or the safety and trust of those who depend on the judiciary for justice. The Bar remains resolute in pursuing accountability and upholding the independence of the judiciary in Yobe State.

In a separate update dated November 5, 2024, it was reported that following meetings with the Honorable Attorney General of Yobe State, the Security Adviser to the Executive Governor of Yobe State, and the Commissioner of Police, the NBA Damaturu Branch has temporarily suspended further action for one week, expiring on November 11, 2024. This decision was made to allow stakeholders to take appropriate and expedient action on the issue, with the Commissioner of Police assuring that immediate action will be taken on the petition forwarded to him.