World Bulletin / News Desk

Nigeria's secret police seized hundreds of thousands of dollars in cash and assets in a series of anti-corruption raids targeting senior judges, drawing sharp condemnation Sunday from the bar association and rights groups.

The raids prompted the Nigerian Bar Association to declare a state of emergency, denouncing the "Gestapo-style" operation.

In a statement, the Department of States Services (DSS) said it had seized $800,000 (715,000 euros) in cash during the operation which was launched on the basis of "allegations of corruption and professional misconduct" by a number of judges.