The Anaocha Branch of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has expressed concern over an alleged incident of harassment involving court bailiffs and police operatives in Anambra State. According to the NBA branch chairman, Uzoma Dioha, the incident occurred on Wednesday in Anaocha, a local government area in Anambra State. The bailiffs were enforcing a court order when they were allegedly harassed by police operatives. The incident has sparked outrage and raised concerns about the relationship between the police and the judiciary.
The alleged harassment occurred when court bailiffs, led by Chief Bailiff Francis Nweje, were executing a court order pursuant to a warrant issued by the Chief Magistrate Court, Awka. The Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of B-Division in Awka allegedly instructed his operatives to harass the bailiffs and directed them to discontinue the execution and accompany him to the police station. The bailiffs explained that they were acting pursuant to a valid warrant of execution and requested to conclude their duties before attending to the officer's directive.
The police operatives allegedly summoned reinforcements, who arrived at the scene and subjected the court officials to harassment and intimidation. The incident was captured in a video clip, which has gone viral on social media. The NBA branch chairman condemned the alleged harassment, describing it as a grave affront to the judiciary and an unacceptable interference with the administration of justice. He emphasized that the 1999 Nigerian Constitution gives courts the authority to determine people's civil rights and obligations.
The NBA has demanded that the police commissioner in Anambra State investigate the incident, identify and punish the officers involved, and provide adequate protection for court bailiffs carrying out lawful judicial assignments. The association has also requested an institutional apology to the judiciary and the affected court officials. The chairman emphasized that the duties of court bailiffs, including the execution of warrants and other judicial processes, are governed by applicable laws and rules of court.
A viral video clip of the incident shows armed police operatives and another individual in plain clothes grabbing a court bailiff and attempting to force him into a waiting police vehicle. The court bailiff resisted, and a male voice in the background repeatedly stated that the police operatives were harassing a court bailiff on official duty. One of the bailiffs explained that they had a valid warrant to enforce the court order.
The police in Anambra State have reacted to the incident, stating that the viral video clip only captured part of the encounter. The police spokesperson, Tochukwu Ikenga, said the state police command had begun an assessment of the incident to establish the facts. He claimed that preliminary information indicated that the operatives were responding to a distress call concerning unidentified persons and a reported disturbance at a premises.
The police command has reiterated its respect for the authority and independence of the courts and remains committed to providing lawful security support for the enforcement of valid court orders. The command has taken note of the concerns arising from the incident and has engaged the relevant parties to establish the complete facts and ensure that the matter is handled professionally and impartially.
Key points
- The Nigerian Bar Association has condemned the alleged harassment of court bailiffs by police operatives in Anambra State.
- The incident has sparked concerns about the relationship between the police and the judiciary.
- The police command has promised to investigate the incident and handle it professionally and impartially.
