Anambra NBA Declares Court Boycott Over Brutal Murder of Member

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Anambra State chapter, has announced a boycott of all court sittings across the state from May 20 to May 21 in protest against the killing of one of its members, Ifeanyi-Rolex Iloakasia. Iloakasia, a member of the Otuocha Bar, was murdered alongside his client on May 15 in Nanka, Orumba North Local Government Area, while returning from a court session at Ekwulobia High Court.

In a statement issued by K.G. Abonyi, Chairman of the Committee of Chairmen and Secretaries of NBA branches in Anambra, the association described the attack as a blatant assault on the legal profession and the rule of law. The NBA expressed deep grief and outrage over the killing, especially as the memory of Awa P. Awa—a former Vice Chairman of the NBA Ihiala Branch, who was also murdered—remains fresh.

The committee directed all lawyers in the state to suspend court appearances for two days as a mark of respect and to demand justice. “Justice must be served,” the statement emphasized, calling on relevant authorities to ensure a thorough investigation and swift apprehension of the perpetrators.

The NBA acknowledged the immediate response of the Anambra State Commissioner of Police, who visited the crime scene and ordered preliminary investigations. However, the association urged the police, the Department of State Services (DSS), and other security agencies to intensify efforts to ensure the killers are brought to justice. It stressed that insecurity has claimed too many members of the legal profession in Anambra and warned that the legal system cannot function under constant threat and fear.

The association also appealed to Governor Chukwuma Soludo to revamp and strengthen security measures across the state to prevent further attacks on legal practitioners and the wider public.