Police Speak On Withdrawing Orderly Attached To Rivers Judge

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The Rivers State Police Command has dismissed reports alleging that it deliberately withdrew the police orderly attached to Justice Augusta Kingsley Chukwu, describing the claims as false and misleading.

In a statement issued on Tuesday by the Command’s spokesperson, SP Grace Iringe-Koko, the police clarified that the officer in question was among personnel deployed to Anambra State for the off-cycle governorship election, as part of routine national security operations.

Iringe-Koko stressed that the deployment was not targeted at any individual or institution, but part of a standard operational exercise affecting several officers across different units.

“The Rivers State Police Command wishes to address a recent social media report falsely alleging the withdrawal of the Police orderly assigned to Hon. Justice Mrs. Augusta Kingsley Chukwu,” the statement read.

“The Officer was among those on emergency call for deployment to Anambra State for the off-cycle gubernatorial election, a routine operational requirement affecting multiple personnel, not exclusive to the judiciary.

“Upon their return, the officer(s) will immediately return to their duty posts. This action was not targeted at any particular judge or the judiciary. We remain committed partners in the administration of criminal justice and take seriously our duty to provide adequate security for judicial officers.”

The Command reaffirmed its dedication to protecting all members of the judiciary and maintaining the integrity of law enforcement in the state.

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Background

The clarification comes after a civil society group, the Society for Rule of Law in Nigeria (SRLN), alleged that the withdrawal of Justice Chukwu’s police orderly was a form of intimidation following a recent court judgment.

According to the SRLN, Justice Chukwu had recently delivered a ruling against the Nigeria Police Force in Suit No. PHC/1785/CR/2024, which the group claimed angered senior police authorities.

However, the Rivers Command firmly denied the accusation, describing it as a “total misrepresentation of facts.”

“The deployment was a legitimate national assignment,” Iringe-Koko stated. “We remain steadfast in safeguarding all members of the judiciary and the good people of Rivers State with integrity.”