BREAKING: Lawyers in Imo State shut down courts after colleague’s tragic killing
On Thursday, January 23, 2025, courts in the Mgbidi, Oguta, and Omumma areas of Imo State were closed following the shocking murder of a well-known lawyer, Chinedu Nwowu. Nwowu was tragically shot dead on Wednesday evening in Mgbidi, his hometown, by gunmen who have not yet been identified.
Reports say the gunmen blocked Nwowu’s car and shot him while he was driving, but the motive behind the attack remains unclear. The news of his death has caused widespread panic in the state.
In response to the tragedy, the Orlu Branch of the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA) announced that no court sessions would be held in Mgbidi, Oguta, and Omumma areas on Thursday. The branch also called for an emergency meeting of all its members.
Chukwuemeka Okoro, speaking on behalf of the NBA, shared in a statement: “Following the gruesome murder of one of us, CHINEDU NWOWU, last night in his town, Mgbidi, all lawyers of Oru/Oguta Forum are hereby notified of a crucial emergency meeting this morning by 10am at the High Court, Mgbidi. The Mgbidi, Oguta, and Omumma High Courts will not sit today. Please, be punctual.”
Ben Amukamara, the NBA Chairman for the Orlu Branch, confirmed that members were already meeting at the Mgbidi High Court in response to the incident and reiterated that no court would be sitting in the affected areas.
As of the time of this report, the police spokesperson for Imo State, Henry Okoye, had not yet provided a statement regarding the lawyer’s killing.
