NBA Anambra Demands Justice Over Lawyer’s Assassination, Declares Two-Day Court Boycott

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Anambra State has condemned the killing of Barrister Ifeanyi Rolex Iloakasia. The lawyers described it as a brutal attack on the legal profession and rule of law.

Gunmen murdered Iloakasia on May 15, 2025, while he was returning from a court sitting at the High Court in Ekwulobia, Aguata Local Government Area. The late lawyer was a member of the NBA Otuocha Branch.

In a statement signed by K.G. Abonyi, Chairman of the Committee of Chairmen and Secretaries of NBA Anambra, the association expressed grief and outrage. It said the murder follows too closely after the killing of Awa P. Awa, former Vice Chairman of the NBA Ihiala Branch.

“This is a grievous blow to our community and our profession. The legal community in Anambra is under siege,” the statement noted.

The NBA in Anambra appreciated the swift visit by the state Commissioner of Police to the crime scene and his directive to commence investigations.

However, the lawyers urged the police and other agencies, including the DSS, to intensify efforts and bring the perpetrators to justice.

The NBA also called on Anambra State Governor Charles Soludo to take urgent steps to improve security across the state. The association acknowledged Operation Udo Ka Chi but urged authorities to take more concrete security action across Anambra State.

NBA Anambra declared a two-day court boycott from May 20 to May 21, 2025, to protest rising insecurity affecting lawyers.

The NBA demanded justice and vowed to pursue every effort to ensure Iloakasia’s killers face the full weight of the law.