Courts in the Mgbidi, Oguta, and Omumma regions of Imo State suspended their operations on Thursday in response to the alleged murder of a well-known lawyer, Chinedu Nwowu.
Naijaonpoint learnt that Nwowu was ambushed and fatally shot on Wednesday evening in his hometown of Mgbidi by unidentified assailants.
According to sources who spoke with Daily Post, armed individuals forcibly intercepted the lawyer’s vehicle and shot him.
This incident has instigated widespread fear across the state, as the motive behind the killing remains unclear.
In light of this tragic event, the Orlu Branch of the Nigeria Bar Association, to which the deceased belonged, declared that no court proceedings would take place in the Mgbidi, Oguta, and Omumma areas.
The branch also announced an emergency meeting for its members in response to the lawyer’s death.
A statement released by Chukwuemeka Okoro, representing the branch, confirmed that the emergency meeting will convene at the High Court in Mgbidi.
“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,” the statement reads.
The Chairman of the NBA Orlu Branch, Ben Amukamara, informed the Daily Post that members were convening at the Mgbidi High Court in light of the recent incident.
He emphasized that no court sessions would be held in the Oguta, Mgbidi, and Omumma areas of the state.
As of the time of this report, the state police spokesperson, Henry Okoye, had not yet provided a response regarding the inquiry into the lawyer’s death.