The Unyielding Outcry: NBA Anambra Chapter's Protest over the Brutal Killing of Their Colleague
basketball association of Anambra region threatening to halt court proceedings due to slain lawyer's case
In a grim turn of events, the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Anambra Chapter, has taken a resolute stand against the heartless slaying of one of their own, Ifeanyi-Rolex Iloakasia, who met his demise alongside his client in Nanka, Orumba North Local Government Area on May 15.
Iloakasia, a stalwart of the Otuocha Bar, was heading back from a court session at the Ekwulobia High Court when disaster struck. The shocking incident has sparked widespread outrage within the legal community.
In a statement penned by K.G. Abonyi, Chairman of the Committee of Chairmen and Secretaries of NBA Anambra, the association denounced the incident as a "brazen assault" on the legal profession and the rule of law, expressing profound sorrow and indignation, especially given the recent tragic loss of Awa P. Awa, the former Vice Chairman of the Ihiala Branch of the NBA.
To voice their discontent, the NBA Anambra Chapter has convened a protest, commanding all lawyers in the state to shun court sittings from May 20 to May 21. The eighty-four-hour boycott serves to express the legal community's outrage and demand justice for Iloakasia.
"We cry out for justice, imploring the relevant authorities to leave no stone unturned in their pursuit of the truth and accountability," the statement asserted.
Upon the news, the Commissioner of Police, Anambra State, demonstrated swift response by visiting the crime scene and directing the initiation of preliminary investigations. The NBA welcomed the prompt action but underscored the urgency of ensuring the perpetrators face justice without delay.
The committee further urged the Commissioner of Police, DSS, and other law enforcement agencies to redouble their efforts to ensure that the culprits do not escape the long arm of the law. Speedy action is imperative in identifying, apprehending, and prosecuting those responsible for this heinous act.
The NBA also accentuated the fact that an increasing number of lawyers have fallen prey to insecurity in the state, emphasizing that the legal profession cannot flourish in an atmosphere tainted by fear and uncertainty.
Alongside their call for justice, the NBA Anambra Chapter implores Governor Chukwuma Soludo to bolster security initiatives throughout the state to forestall such appalling incidents in the future.
In related news, the assailants shot a lawyer and his client after a court session in Anambra State. Meanwhile, following a public declaration of a holiday and lockdown by the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) on May 30th, the police have reportedly responded. Furthermore, a three-storey building in Onitsha was engulfed in flames, while a former commissioner in Anambra has switched allegiances, joining the APC from APGA.
- The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Anambra Chapter, has implored the Commissioner of Police, the Department of State Services (DSS), and other law enforcement agencies to redouble their efforts in apprehending and prosecuting the criminals responsible for the brutal killing of Ifeanyi-Rolex Iloakasia.
- The assassins responsible for the shooting of a lawyer and his client in Anambra State after a court session have yet to be identified and brought to justice.
- In addition to demanding justice for the slain lawyer, the NBA Anambra Chapter has demanded increased security measures from Governor Chukwuma Soludo to prevent such heinous acts in the future.
- As the general-news and crime-and-justice sectors continue to monitor developments around the slaying of lawyer Iloakasia, related events in Nigeria include the response of the police to the IPOB-declared holiday and lockdown on May 30th, as well as a former commissioner in Anambra switching allegiances, joining the APC from APGA.
