The Abia State branch of the Magistrates Association of Nigeria (MAN) has called on the state government to provide official vehicles for magistrates and establish secure parking areas within court premises across the state.
The appeal comes after a vehicle belonging to Chief Magistrate Ngozi Lakwa was reportedly stolen while she was carrying out her official duties in Umuahia.
According to reports, the magistrate had parked her personal car near the Umuahia High Court complex before attending to work-related responsibilities when the vehicle was taken by unknown persons.
Reacting to the incident, the Chairman of MAN in Abia State, Orji Nnaemeka, described the development as disturbing and unfortunate, noting that judicial officers should not be exposed to such risks while serving the public.
He said the incident highlights the security challenges faced by magistrates who depend on public parking spaces while performing their duties.
Nnaemeka stressed that it is discouraging for judicial workers to suffer personal losses in the course of carrying out responsibilities assigned to them by law.
The association warned that similar incidents could affect other members if urgent measures are not taken to improve security around court facilities.
It also maintained that the theft could have been prevented if properly secured and monitored parking facilities had been made available within court premises.
The group therefore urged the Abia State Government to address the issue by providing official vehicles and safer parking arrangements to protect judicial officers and enhance their ability to perform their duties effectively.