Odinkalu worries over judiciary’s silence on abducted Borno judge, wife, aides

A prominent rights activist, lawyer and academic, Professor Chidi Odinkalu, is worried over the silence by judicial authorities on the abduction of a High Court judge in Borno State, Justice Haruna Mshelia, by suspected Boko Haram elements.

Since June, Mshelia, along with his wife, orderly, and driver, has been missing after being kidnapped by suspected Boko Haram elements on the Biu-Maiduguri Road.

Odinkalu criticised the lack of response from major judicial and legal bodies, including the Nigerian Bar Association and the National Judicial Council.

He said, “They have not been seen since then, and no one is addressing the issue. Not even the Nigerian Bar Association nor the National Judicial Council.”

The human rights lawyer called for immediate intervention from Nigerian judicial bodies to step in and ensure the safe return of the kidnapped judge and his companions.

SaharaReporters had earlier reported that suspected Boko Haram terrorists abducted High Court Judge, Justice Haruna Mshelia together with his wife, driver and orderly along Biu to Maiduguri road In Borno State.

The judge was abducted while he was travelling in his vehicle, accompanied by his driver, a security escort and his wife, a source familiar with the region said.

“As they approached a curve in the road between Burutai and Buni-Gari, a group of armed men emerged from the bushes, their weapons blazing and barricaded the road.

“The judge’s vehicle screeched to a halt, then attempted to maneuver its way to escape.

“In the chaos that ensued, Justice Mshelia’s vehicle was stopped by another team of insurgents,” he said.

The terrorists took them hostage and later whisked them into the Sambisa Forest.