ABUJA (Sundiata Post) – The Abuja branch of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has condemned the early Sunday morning raid on the Oraifite, Anambra State home of Ifeanyi Ejiofor, an Abuja-based lawyer by security agents. Ejiofor is counsel to Nnamdi Kanu, leader of IPOB.
The attack led to the death of an aide to Ejiofor.
The full statement reads:
The leadership of the NBA Abuja Branch (Unity Bar) has been reliably informed of the armed attack on the residence of Mr. Ifeanyi Ejiofor, a member of the Branch and Counsel to Mr. Nnamdi Kanu.
The siege and attack took place at Mr. Ejiofor’s country home in Anambra in the wee hours of Sunday, 6th June, 2021. Mr. Ejiofor, who is committed to the restoration of peace in the Southeast, travelled to Anambra on Saturday 5th June, 2021 to foster that course.
The armed assault which was executed by a joint operation of military personnel, police and NSCDC officers, has 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.
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 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 the 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.
Bulus Atsen
Chairman, NBA Abuja Branch
(Unity Bar)
