NBA Kebbi Branch Orders Court Boycott Over Rising Kidnappings

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Kebbi Branch, has ordered its members to boycott court proceedings following a surge in kidnappings across the state. The directive came after the abduction of one of its members, Mr. Isyaku Muhammad-Danjuma, last Wednesday along the Ibeto-Birnin Kebbi route in Niger State.

In a statement released in Birnin Kebbi on Sunday, the Branch Chairman, Alhaji Aminu Hassan, said the association reached the decision during an emergency meeting on Saturday. He explained that members were advised to avoid nine local government areas identified as kidnapping hotspots. These include Bagudo, Suru, Kamba in Dandi, Bunza, Kangiwa in Arewa, Dirin Daji in Sakaba, Ribah, Kanya, and Augie.

According to Hassan, the NBA Kebbi Branch condemned the abduction and expressed deep concern over the increasing insecurity in the region. He said the association’s resolution to boycott courts from October 7 to 10 aims to protest the kidnapping and to draw attention to the worsening safety conditions affecting lawyers and citizens alike.

Furthermore, the chairman stated that after the boycott period, members should suspend handling terrorism-related cases. These include matters involving kidnapping, abduction, armed robbery, and unlawful possession of firearms, until further notice. He stressed that the association would continue to engage the relevant authorities to secure the safe release of the abducted lawyer.

Hassan urged the government and security agencies to act swiftly to restore peace and rebuild public confidence. He also announced that the NBA Kebbi Branch would collaborate with the judiciary to provide alternative court venues to reduce travel to unsafe areas.

The chairman commended members of the Bar, the judiciary, and the media for their solidarity. He encouraged unity among legal professionals and citizens in demanding justice and promoting peace in Kebbi State and beyond.