Lawyers To Boycott Court Sittings Over Colleague’s Killing

The committee of chairmen and secretaries of the Anambra State chapter of Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has directed all lawyers to boycott all court sittings in the state from May 20 to 21 in protest against the murder of their colleague, Ifeanyi-Rolex Iloakasia.

According to the News Agency of Nigeria, the NBA, in a statement signed by K.G. Abonyi, the chairperson, Committee of Chairmen and Secretaries of NBA Anambra, described the attack as a “blatant assault” on the legal profession and the rule of law.

They said the NBA in Anambra was deeply grieved and aggrieved by the “senseless” killing, especially as the tragic loss of Awa P. Awa, former vice chairperson of the Ihiala Branch of the NBA, remained fresh in their memories.

Gunmen Kill Policeman, Lawyer, Client In Anambra

Mr Iloakasia, a member of Otuocha Bar, was killed alongside his client in Nanka, Orumba North local government area of the state on May 15 as they were returning from a sitting in Ekwulobia High Court.

Some hoodlums on a motorcycle were reported to have attacked them.

The gunmen suddenly opened fire on them, killing one on the spot.

The second person was shot dead while running away from the car, a resident said.

Police spokesperson, Tochukwu Ikenga, said in a statement that the killers trailed them.

He said in a statement that the slain lawyer had earlier secured bail for an accused person in a pending murder case at High Court II in Ekwulobia.

The spokesperson said apart from the two deceased victims, one other victim survived the attack.

He said the unnamed survivor was currently receiving medical treatment at a hospital.