Lawyers under the aegis of Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) branches in Anambra State will today embark on a one-day boycott of courts to press home their demand for release of their colleague who was kidnapped by gunmen at the weekend.

It is recalled that Mr. Chukwubuikem Azoro, the Secretary of NBA Idemili Branch was whisked away by gunmen at Abagana around 8:30 pm last Saturday.

In a notice obtained by CITY LAWYER, the lawyers stated that the boycott “is to enable lawyers press for the immediate release of our colleague and secretary of Idemili branch of the Nigerian Bar Association, Chukwubuikem J. S. Azoro who was kidnapped at Abagana on Saturday 11th May, 2024.”

The Statement was signed by Mr. I. C. Nsofor, the Chairman of Committee of Chairmen and Secretaries, NBA Branches in Anambra State.

The move follows a similar one by NBA Idemili Branch where Azoro held sway as Secretary until his kidnap on Saturday.

A statement by Chukwubuikem Obianyo, the branch Publicity Secretary revealed that his captors have demanded a ransom for his release, adding that “In response to this distressing situation, the members of the Idemili Branch have unanimously resolved to take a stand against such criminal acts. Therefore, Starting from tomorrow the 16th day of May 2024 through the 17th day of May, 2024, all members of the NBA Idemili Branch shall be boycotting appearances in all courts within and outside our jurisdiction. Additionally, members of Idemili Branch pledge to abstain from representing individuals charged with kidnapping or armed robbery until further notice.

“This decision is not taken lightly, but it reflects our unwavering commitment to justice and the safety of our members and the community at large. We call upon the relevant authorities to expedite efforts to secure the safe release of Mr. Azoro and to take decisive action against the perpetrators of this heinous crime.

“We urge the public to join us in condemning such acts of violence and to stand in solidarity with the victim and his family during this difficult time.”

Meanwhile, a candidate in the forthcoming NBA Elections and member of the branch, Mr. Ernest Uwanaka has called for “for fast and unconditional release” of Azoro.

Uwanaka, who has been cleared by the Electoral Commitee of the NBA (ECNBA) to run for the position of NBA Welfare Secretary, condemned Azoro’s kidnap, while calling on Anambra State Governor, Prof. Charles Soludo as well as the State Police Commissioner to ensure the lawyer’s safe return.

According to the senior lawyer, who is also the Secretary of NBA Idemili Branch Human Rights Committee, “While praying to God for fast and unconditional release of the Branch Secretary, Uwanaka urges the Anambra State Governor, Prof. Charles Chukwuma Soludo and the new Commissioner of Police in the State, CP Nnaghe Obono Itam to assist the NBA, Idemili Branch to secure the release of its member, and beef up security in the State to protect the general public especially legal practitioners and judicial officers whose lives have become endangered due to the nature of their jobs.”

IMPORTANT NOTICE!

ATTN: ALL LAWYERS IN ANAMBRA STATE

THRO:

BRANCH CHAIRMEN

RE: BOYCOTT OF COURTS BY LAWYERS ON THURSDAY 16TH MAY, 2024.

This is to inform all colleagues in the State that there shall be a boycott of courts in Anambra State on Thursday 16th May, 2024.

This is to enable lawyers press for the immediate release of our colleague and secretary of Idemili branch of the Nigerian Bar Association, Chukwubuikem J. S. Azoro who was kidnapped at Abagana on Saturday 11th May, 2024.

Also take notice that there shall be a press conference at Idemili Bar Centre, Ogidi on Thursday 16th May, 2024 by 9.00am. Lawyers are mandated to attend the press conference.

Dress code shall be FORMAL

Kindly ensure strict compliance of this directive.

Signed:
FOR NBA BRANCHES, ANAMBRA STATE

I. C. NSOFOR ESQ
Chairman, Committee of Chairmen and Secretaries, NBA Branches, Anambra State.

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