NBA Condemns Alleged Security Siege On IPOB Lawyer’s Residence, Killing Of His PA

The leadership of the Nigerian Bar Association, Abuja branch, Sunday, condemned the attack on the residence of Mr Ifeanyi Ejiofor, counsel to the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, Mr Nnamdi Kanu.

THE WHISTLER reported that the victim, in a message, stated that his country home in Anambra State was in the wee hours of Sunday, 6th June, 2021, besieged by state security operatives.

The NBA, Abuja branch, in a release signed by its chairman, Bulus Atsen, and made available to THE WHISTLER in Awka, alleged that the attack was executed by a joint operation of military personnel, police and NSCDC officers, and allegedly “left Mr Ejiofor’s PA, Samuel Okoro, dead; his elder brother, driver and domestic staff arrested, and a Toyota Camry conveying the corpse of Samuel Okoro driven away by the security agents; his apartment was riddled with bullets without the slightest provocation. “

According to the statement, “It is instructive and unfortunate to note that this assault and harassment by agents of the state on account of Mr Ejiofor’s legal representation of Nnamdi Kanu at the Federal High Court, Abuja division, now seems to be the modus operandi of the federal government.”

The release added that, “The NBA, Abuja branch, condemns the reckless use of state powers to attack lawyers for discharging their functions pursuant to Section 36(6) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“We call on the chief of army staff, Maj. Gen. Farouk Yahaya, and the inspector general of police, Usman Alkali Baba, to call their respective personnel to order and commence disciplinary proceedings against those responsible for this assault on Ifeanyi Ejiofor, Esq. and his community.

“It is disheartening that at a time when the entire country is constantly under siege and ravaged by criminal elements, state resources are prioritized for the intimidation and attack of innocent citizens who have the right to be protected by the government.

“There is a critical need for state agents to be accountable for state powers vested in them and that can be done by complying with the rule of law and not force.”