Nigeria Bar Association (NBA), Awka Branch, has strongly condemned the alleged assault and detention of a lawyer by operatives of the Anambra State–run Operation Clean and Healthy Anambra Task Force, calling for an urgent investigation.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the NBA Awka Publicity Secretary, Michael Ozojiofor, said the incident occurred on Monday at Eke-Awka Market, Awka, involving Barrister Charles Ifeanyi.
Ozojiofor said members of the NBA Human Rights Committee were denied access to the detained lawyer and were allegedly threatened with arrest. He described the incident as part of a pattern of impunity and abuse of power.
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Narrating his ordeal, Ifeanyi said he was attacked after questioning the assault of a trader whose goods were being confiscated. He claimed he was beaten by several operatives, handcuffed, detained for hours, and sustained head and body injuries. He confirmed undergoing medical tests at Amaku Hospital.
Petitions have been submitted to the Commissioner of Police and copied to the Commissioner for Environment, who oversees the task force.
Reacting, the Commissioner for Information, Law Mefor, confirmed the incident and said investigations would be conducted, although he noted that the enforcement team claimed the lawyer challenged them.
The NBA Awka Branch insists those responsible must be held accountable to uphold the rule of law and protect citizens’ rights.
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