The House of Justice has strongly condemned the abduction of Customary Court Judge, His Worship Janet Galadima-Gimba, and her four children, as well as the horrifying murder of her 14-year-old son by terrorists.
The incident took place on the night of Sunday, June 23, 2024, at their residence in Mahuta, Kaduna State, North-West Nigeria, while her husband, a medical doctor, was away on duty.
Reports suggest that the abductors, believed to be a group of fifteen individuals, took the judge and her children hostage and demanded a substantial ransom for their release.
Tragically, on Tuesday, July 2, 2024, the terrorists shot and killed Victor Gimba, the judge’s eldest child, when the demanded ransom could not be obtained.
Gloria Mabeiam Ballason Esq, the Chief Executive Officer of the House of Justice, has expressed her strongest condemnation of abduction and murder.
She emphasized that judicial officers, in accordance with Article 7 of the United Nations Basic Principles on the Independence of the Judiciary, deserve adequate protection and security to carry out their important judicial functions.
Ballason further stressed that the Nigerian State has a constitutional obligation, as outlined in Section 33 and 14 (2)b of the 1999 Constitution, to guarantee the safety of the judge, her family, and all citizens.
Ballason fervently called for the safe return of the judge and her children. She described the murder of Victor as “grisly and bloodcurdling,” asserting that no parent should ever have to witness the cold and callous killing of their own child.
In response to this horrific incident, Ballason called upon the Nigerian security agencies, the Governor of Kaduna State, the Nigerian Bar Association, and the Judiciary to act swiftly and decisively to ensure the protection of lives and the safe return of the judge and her children.
She emphasized the need for justice to be served in this case.
The House of Justice stands united with the judge and her family during this difficult time and urges all relevant authorities to prioritize their safety and well-being.
The abduction of judicial officer and the loss of an innocent child are grave offenses that demand immediate action and justice.
