The Akwa Ibom State High Court judge, Justice Joy Unwana, and her driver, Idorinyin Ekanem, who were kidnapped by gunmen, have been released after spending five days in captivity.
REports state that Justice Unwana and her driver were abducted on Monday, December 18, 2023, while returning to Uyo after a court session in Oron Local Government Area of the state.
During the incident that occurred around 8 pm along the Okobo-Esuk Inwang-Ndon Ebom Road, her police orderly, ThankGod Ekanem, lost his life.
In a show of solidarity, various branches of the Nigerian Bar Association, particularly the Oron branch where Justice Unwana serves as a judge, protested the incident and temporarily halted court activities.
The state Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Ini Ememobong, announced her release in a statement on Saturday. He mentioned that Governor Umo Eno, upon receiving the freed judge at the Government House in Uyo, expressed gratitude to God for ensuring her safe return and commended the security agencies for their prompt response and dedication to duty.
The governor, acknowledging the likely trauma Justice Unwana experienced during her captivity, reiterated his government’s commitment to bringing the perpetrators to justice.
The statement reads in part “The Judge of the Akwa Ibom State Judiciary, Justice Joy Unwana, who was abducted Monday night has regained her 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 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 acknowledgment, Justice Unwana expressed gratitude to the governor for his concern and endeavors in securing her release from the abductors.
She shared the harrowing experience she endured in their custody, offering prayers that no one should undergo such a distressing ordeal.
Currently, Justice Unwana and her driver are undergoing debriefing and receiving necessary medical attention.