The legal community in Mgbidi, Oguta, and Omumma areas of Imo State has halted court operations in protest over the murder of prominent lawyer Chinedu Nwowu, who was shot dead by unknown gunmen on Wednesday evening in his hometown of Mgbidi.
Eyewitnesses reported that the assailants ambushed Nwowu’s vehicle, blocking his path before shooting him at close range. The motive for the killing remains unclear, leaving residents in fear as the tragic event has added to growing concerns about security in the region.
In response to the murder, the Orlu Branch of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), where the deceased was a member, announced an immediate shutdown of court activities in the affected areas. The NBA also convened an emergency meeting at the High Court in Mgbidi on Thursday morning to address the incident and chart a way forward.
A statement issued by the NBA Orlu Branch Secretary, Chukwuemeka Okoro, urged all members of the Oru/Oguta Forum to attend the emergency meeting. The statement read: “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 10 a.m. at the High Court, Mgbidi. The Mgbidi, Oguta, and Omumma High Courts will not sit today.”
NBA Orlu Chairman, Ben Amukamara, confirmed the court shutdown and described the killing as a devastating blow to the legal community. He emphasized the need for authorities to act swiftly to identify and prosecute those responsible for the crime.
As of the time of filing this report, the Imo State Police spokesperson, Henry Okoye, had not responded to inquiries regarding the killing.
The murder of Nwowu has sparked widespread outrage among lawyers and residents, who are demanding stronger security measures to prevent similar incidents. The legal community in Imo State continues to mourn the loss of one of their own while calling for justice for the slain lawyer.
