Imo NBA Demands Policeman’s Prosecution Over Killing Of Lawyer

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Owerri branch has called for the prosecution of a policeman who killed a lawyer, Ihimekpen Peter Ehize, in Owerri, during a squabble.

The association warned that the policeman must not be transferred to evade prosecution for his action, adding that he must be thoroughly investigated and charged in court.

Ehize, the deceased lawyer called to the Bar in 2021, was the hotel manager of 6A Resort, Road 6, Redemption Estate, Obinze, off Port Harcourt Road, Owerri, the Imo State capital, where he was killed on Monday, January 12, 2026.

The NBA made the call in a statement signed by the branch chairman and secretary, Chief Chris Ihentuge and Barr. Daniel Odiba respectfully dated January 17th.

The group disclosed that Ehize was reportedly involved in a minor disagreement with an inspector of police (whose identity is yet to be ascertained) on Monday, January 12, 2026, during which the policeman slapped him thrice and later shot him dead at close range.

The lawyers called for a thorough, transparent and impartial investigation into the heinous act and insisted that justice must be served, irrespective of the involvement of a police officer.

They called on the Imo State commissioner of police to ensure that the suspect is promptly charged in court, prosecuted in accordance with the law, adding that no attempt should be made to shield, transfer, or compromise the investigation.

While it condemned the killing, which they described as “senseless and avoidable loss of life”, the association reiterated that no Nigerian, and indeed no member of the legal profession, deserved to be subjected to such extrajudicial violence.

The NBA disclosed that it had met with the deputy commissioner of police (Administration) and the deputy commissioner of police (SCID), who insisted that the policeman face the full wrath of the law.

Meanwhile, the policeman who was alleged to have fled after firing shots into the air to scare away people has been detained at the police command.

Efforts to speak with the police spokesperson for Imo State Command, Henry Okoye, proved abortive as he is believed to be on honeymoon following his wedding last Saturday.