by Nurat Uthman
The Nigerian Bar Association in Anambra State has announced a total boycott of all courts in the state, over the kidnap of an Anambra State-based lawyer, Chukwubuikem Azoro.
This development was made known in a notice signed on behalf of the NBA, Anambra State branch, by the Chairman, Committee of Chairmen and Secretaries, NBA Branches, Anambra State, I.C. Nsofor, on Thursday.
The body said this move is to give voice to the decision of the NBA, Idemili Branch who had earlier declared May 16 and 17, a total shutdown of courts in the state and press for the release of their abducted colleague.
Some yet-to-be-identified gunmen had reportedly abducted Azoro around the Abagana area in Njikoka Local Government Area of Anambra State on Saturday and his whereabouts have remained unknown till date.
Azoro, the Secretary of the Idemili Branch of the NBA, was said to have been kidnapped two weeks after his wedding.
The abduction was also confirmed by the founder of Due Process Advocates, Emeka Ugwuonye in a post on the group’s official Facebook page.
According to Ugwuonye, the advocacy group received a message from its head office in the United States of America that Azoro was kidnapped in Anambra where he lives and practices law.
He, however, called on the Anambra police command to leave no stone unturned in seeking the safe release of Azoro.
He said, “C.J.S. Azoro was kidnapped on Monday, two weeks after his memorable marriage in Anambra State. Our head office in the United States received a message this morning informing us that Mr. Azoro was kidnapped in Anambra State where he lives and practices law.
“Our lawyers in Awka spoke so highly of Mr. Azoro as a dependable professional colleague they have collaborated with many times in the past.
“Our sympathy goes to Mr Azoro’s family, especially his lovely wife, who is another professional colleague. We pray for his safety and at the same time, we urge the Anambra State government and the Nigerian Police to leave no stone unturned in seeking the safe release of Barrister Azoro.”
The notice by the NBA titled, ‘Re: Boycott of courts by lawyers on Thursday 16th May’, read in part, “The Nigerian Bar Association in Anambra State has announced a total boycott of all courts in the state. This move is to give voice to the decision of the NBA Idemili Branch which had earlier declared 16th and 17th of May a total shutdown.
“All the NBA Branches in Anambra State are by this notice urged to stay away from all courts in the state.
“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 to press for the immediate release of our colleague and secretary of the Idemili branch of the Nigerian Bar Association, Chukwubuikem J. S. Azoro who was kidnapped at Abagana, on Saturday, May 11, 2024.
“Also take notice that there shall be a press conference at Idemili Bar Centre, Ogidi on Thursday 16th May 2024 by 9.00 am. Lawyers are mandated to attend the press conference.
“Dress code shall be formal. Kindly ensure strict compliance with this directive.”
When contacted on the development, the Anambra State Police spokesman, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, said the command has not received the report of the abduction of the lawyer, but he said that members of the NBA were at the command to see the Commissioner of Police.
Ikenga, however, did not disclose the reason for the visit.
