The Nigerian Bar Association, Anambra State chapter, has condemned the murder of its member, Ifeanyi-Rolex Iloakasia.
Mr Iloakasia, a member of Otuocha Bar was killed alongside his client in Nanka, Orumba North Local Government Area as they were returning from court sitting in Ekwulobia High Court on May 15.
The NBA, in a statement by the Chairman, Committee of Chairmen and Secretaries of NBA Anambra State, K.G. Abonyi, described the attack as a “blatant assault” on the legal profession and the rule of law.
He said that the NBA, Anambra State Chapter, was deeply grieved and aggrieved by the ‘senseless” killing, especially as the tragic loss of Awa P. Awa; a former vice chairman of Ihiala Branch of the NBA, remained fresh in their memories.
The Committee of Chairmen and Secretaries of NBA Anambra directed all lawyers to boycott court sittings in the state from May 20 to May 21 in protest against the murder of their colleague.
According to the lawyers, justice must be served, and they demand that the relevant authorities leave no stone unturned in the pursuit of truth and accountability.
The body stated, “We appreciate the swift response of the Commissioner of Police, Anambra State, who promptly visited the crime scene for an on-the-spot assessment and directed the commencement of preliminary investigations into the murder.
However, we urge the Commissioner of Police, DSS, and other law enforcement agencies to intensify efforts to ensure that the perpetrators do not evade justice.
Speedy action is crucial in identifying and apprehending those responsible for this horrific crime. Too many lawyers have been sacrificed to insecurity in this state and the legal profession cannot thrive under an atmosphere of fear and insecurity.’’
The NBA called on Governor Chukwuma Soludo to revamp and strengthen security operations across the state to prevent recurrence.
