Abducted Akwa Ibom Judge, driver regain freedom

 

Justice Joy I Unwana, a Judge at Oron High Court, Akwa Ibom State, who was kidnapped by unknown gunmen has been released.

Benco News recalls that Justice Unwana was abducted alongside her driver.

Her police orderly was killed in the incident that occurred around 8:00 pm on Monday along the Okobo-Esuk Inwang-Ndon Ebom road.

Different branches of the Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, especially the Oron branch where Justice Unwana works as a Judge had protested over the incident and shut down the activities of the court.

However, five days later, Akwa Ibom State government, through its Commissioner for Information, Comrade Ini Ememobong in the early hours of Saturday, announced the release of the abducted judge and her driver.

He said governor Umo Eno, while receiving the freed judge at the government house, Uyo, thanked God for ensuring her safe return and thanked the security agencies for their swift response and commitment to duty.

The governor, who regretted the trauma justice Unwana must have gone through while in captivity, was reassured of his government’s commitments towards bringing the perpetrators to book.

According to the statement, “the Judge of the Akwa Ibom State Judiciary, Justice Joy Unwana, who was abducted Monday night has regained freedom.

“Receiving the freed Judge at the Government House Uyo, the Governor, Pastor Umo Eno thanked God for her safe release, while appreciating security agencies for their swift response and commitment to duty.

“He further assured citizens that the state under his watch would never be a safe haven for criminals, charging security operatives to double their surveillance.

“The Governor, specifically, appreciated the Ministry of Internal Security for their strategic coordination and use of local intelligence in the handling of security issues.”

In her response, Justice Unwana appreciated the Governor for his concern and efforts at rescuing her from her abductors.

She recounted her ordeal in their hands, praying that no one should face such a terrible experience.

Justice Unwana and her driver are currently being debriefed and receiving medical attention.

Present during the debriefing session were Commissioner for Internal Security, Gen. Koko Essien (Rtd.), Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Uko Udom SAN, and Chief Assam Assam, SAN.