Imo NBA boycotts courts over abduction of Nzeukwu

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    BY CHIDI  NKWOPARA
    The Owerri Branch of Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, has condemned what it called “the dastardly abduction of Justice Theophilus N. Nzeukwu and the gruesome murder of his driver and police orderly, on his way to work”.

    The NBA also resolved that “the abduction of our judges is unacceptable to the Bar and in justifiable protest, therefore, the NBA, Owerri Branch, will embark on a seven-day boycott of all courts in Imo State with effect March 3, 2011.”

    The position of the NBA was contained in an eight-paragraph statement issued after their emergency meeting in Owerri and signed by the Chairman, Mr. Ama Akalonu.

    The lawyers fumed that Justice Nzeukwu has remained in unlawful custody since being forcibly snatched by the abductors, adding that the Association demands the immediate release of the jurist.

    “It is highly regrettable that kidnappers have dared to extend their vile and devilish trade to judges and officers in the temple of justice, the judiciary,” Akalonu said

    The NBA boss recalled with anger the double abduction of two judicial officers, Justice A.B.C. Egu, President of Customary Court of Appeal, Imo State and His Worship, Ugoeze Pauline Njemanze, early last year.

    While recalling that Egu and Njemanze were released only after the payment of ransom, Mr. Akalonu, however, said lawyers prefer to defend suspected kidnappers, even when they have been found guilty in the court of public opinion.

    “It is the lawyer who argues, urging for bail or acquittal of accused persons. It is the judge who considers bail and acquittal of the accused where facts and the law so dictate. We urge government to take urgent steps to arrest the situation,” the NBA boss pleaded.

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    Imo NBA boycotts courts over abduction of Nzeukwu