Kidnap, Murder of Lawyers: Anambra NBA Branches Boycott Court Sittings

David-Chyddy Eleke in Awka

Lawyers practicing in Anambra State under all the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA) branches in the state have resolved to boycott court sittings for one week.

An official memo sent out to all branches of the association in the state and signed by the Chairman of Committee of Chairmen and Secretaries, NBA branches, Anambra State., I. C. Nsofor, which was sighted by THISDAY, stated that the reason for the action was because of the recent kidnap and killing of lawyers in the state.

The memo reminded lawyers in the state that their colleague and Secretary of Idemili branch of NBA, C.J.S Azoro, was still in the custody of his captors, after he was kidnapped early this month.

The memo read further: “As if that was not enough, the Vice Chairman of NBA, Ihiala branch and Principal State Counsel, Awa P. Awa, was gruesomely murdered by suspected gunmen at Okija on May 19, 2024. These are the most recent of attacks on lawyers.

“The recent resurgence of insecurity in the state and targeted attacks on the bar and the bench is worrisome, as lawyers are fast becoming endangered species.

“In consequence thereof, following the emergency meeting of the Committee of Chairmen and Secretaries of the Bar branches in Anambra State on May 20, 2024, it is resolved as follows that: there shall be a boycott of courts in Anambra State by lawyers from May 21 to 27, 2024.

“This is to enable lawyers in the state protest and address the state of insecurity in the state as there is palpable fear of insecurity in the state by lawyers and no one knows who may be next.”

The memo stated further that there shall be a peaceful protest of all the lawyers in Anambra State on Thursday (today), followed by a press conference, and that lawyers are to converge on judiciary headquarters in their High Court attire, without wigs and gowns.