No basis for condemning judges’ arrest – Ex- NBA Chairman

Mr Jonathan Taidi, a former Chairman of Nigeria Bar
Association (NBA), Minna Branch, on Monday said
there was no basis for condemning the Department of
State Security Service (DSS) over recent arrest of
judges.
Taidi told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Minna
that the DSS acted within the realm of the law.
He challenged those criticizing the action, to show
any court order which declared the DSS action illegal.
He explained that from information available in public
domain, the DSS obtained valid search warrants
before conducting the search on the judges’
premises.
“Why are we condemning the DSS when they are in
possession of valid search warrants,” he queried.
The former NBA chairman stressed that the affected
judges have a moral burden to establish their
innocence before members of the general public.
Taidi insisted that the judges must strive to defend
their reputation and integrity, so as to insulate the
judicial institution from ridicule.
He advocated for the strengthening of disciplinary
mechanism, to enhance transparency in judicial
service.
The urged judges to be transparent and ensure fair
and just determination of cases, to restore confidence
of Nigerians in the judiciary.