The Nigeria Bar Association, NBA in Anambra has declared a one-week boycott of all court processes by its members over recent targeted attacks on lawyers in the state.
Earlier this month, the Secretary of the Idemili branch of the NBA, C.J.S Azoro, Esq. was kidnapped and is presently in the custody of his captors.
Earlier this week, on Sunday the 19th of May, the Vice Chairman of NBA Ihiala Branch and Principal State Counsel, Awa P. Awa, Esq was gruesomely murdered by unidentified gunmen at Okija.
In a memo to all the NBA branches in the state, the Chairman, Committee of Chairmen and Secretaries, NBA
Branches in Anambra State, Barr I.C Nsofor said the kidnap and killing of their members represent a worrisome trend they could not overlook.
According to him, it is worrisome that one of their members is still in captivity, despite the alarm raised over his kidnap by the NBA.
“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 Monday 20th May 2024, it is resolved as follows:
“There shall be a boycott of courts in Anambra State by lawyers from Tuesday 21st May 2024 to Monday 27th May 2024. This is to enable lawyers in the State to protest and address the state of insecurity in the State as there is a palpable fear of insecurity in the State by lawyers and no one knows who may be next.
“There shall be a peaceful protest of all the lawyers in Anambra State on Thursday 23rd May 2024 followed by a Press Conference.
“For the press conference, lawyers are to converge at judiciary headquarters, Awka on Thursday 23rd May 2024 by 9.00 am.
“Dress code shall be that of High Court without wigs and gowns,” the memo read.
The memo urged all branch chairmen and secretaries to ensure that their members are sensitized on the need to be part of the struggle as injury to one is an injury to all.
