Tragedy struck in Orodo, Mbaitoli Local Government Area of Imo State, as gunmen ruthlessly murdered Port Harcourt-based legal practitioner, Garricks Anyanwu, in his hometown.
Anyanwu’s decomposing body was discovered in the bush on Friday, April 5, 2024, after he had been missing for four days. The shocking news has sent shockwaves through the legal community, prompting calls for justice and an end to violence against lawyers.
Announcing his untimely demise, Chukwuemeka Mbamala, a friend and former classmate of Anyanwu at the Enugu State University of Science and Technology, lamented the loss and called for swift action to apprehend the perpetrators. Mbamala highlighted the alarming trend of violence against lawyers in society, urging authorities to prioritize the safety of legal practitioners.
Chairman of the Imo branch of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Allinor Oguchukwu, confirmed the incident and expressed his condolences to Anyanwu’s family and colleagues. He pledged to investigate the circumstances surrounding the lawyer’s death and collaborate with relevant authorities to ensure justice is served.
The Imo State Police Command, through its spokesman Henry Okoye, has been urged to expedite efforts in unraveling the circumstances leading to Anyanwu’s tragic demise. As investigations continue, the legal fraternity mourns the loss of one of its own and remains vigilant in the pursuit of justice.
The brutal murder of Garricks Anyanwu serves as a grim reminder of the dangers faced by lawyers in the line of duty and underscores the urgent need for enhanced security measures to protect legal practitioners across the country. May his soul rest in peace.