As Lawyers in Anambra State started complying with the notice of a boycott issued to them through their branch Chairmen, people who have matters at the Federal High Court Awka were stranded yesterday as their matters were shifted to later date after they had arrived at the court.
ABS Judiciary correspondent, Joseph Egbeocha reports that the notice of boycott was in respect of the kidnap of a lawyer and Secretary of Idemili branch of the Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, Chukwubuikem Azoro, who is still in custody of his captors, and the murder of a Principal State Counsel and Vice Chairman of NBA Ihiala branch, Peter Awa by unidentified gunmen in Okija.
The boycott, according to official NBA memo, will last from Tuesday, twenty first to Monday 27th May 2024.
Speaking after the court was adjourned to a later date, Barrister Mike Ikegbunam said when he got information that his clients from Isuaniocha were brought to the court, he had to rush to the court where he and others informed the trial Judge about the notice of boycott, which the Judge said there was no official communication to the court to that effect.
He regretted that lawyers have become endangered species in the state, and called on the state government to step up security measures to ensure security of lives and property.
Barrister Ikegbunam reasoned that his clients who are affected by the boycott would understand that anybody could have been the victim of the most recent of attacks on lawyers in the state.
Other lawyers who spoke to the ABS, including Barristers Ogbonnaya Obasi and Chiadi Obidi, also called on the government, security agencies and other relevant bodies to ensure security of lives and property in Anambra.
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