All courts in Mgbidi, Oguta, and Omuma areas of Imo State were shut down on Thursday as lawyers protested the shocking murder of their colleague, Chinedu George Nwowu. The Nigeria Bar Association (NBA), Orlu branch, announced the closure, citing the need for solidarity and urgent action following the gruesome killing.
Nwowu was ambushed and shot multiple times by unknown gunmen on Wednesday night along the Mgbidi Highway. Witnesses reported that the assailants intercepted his car around 7 p.m., dragged him out, and executed him in a brazen attack before fleeing the scene.
The NBA Orlu branch issued a memo on Thursday morning, notifying members of an emergency meeting at the Mgbidi High Court. The statement, signed by branch secretary Chukwuemeka Okoro, 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. The Mgbidi, Oguta, and Omuma High Courts will not sit today.”
NBA Orlu Chairman, Ben Amukamara, confirmed the court shutdown, emphasizing that the legal community was deeply aggrieved by the loss.
An eyewitness recounted the chilling scene: “We saw a car dangerously overtake the man’s vehicle, and armed men jumped out. They dragged him out of the car and shot him several times. The entire incident lasted less than five minutes, leaving no time for security intervention.”
Nwowu was rushed to a nearby hospital but was pronounced dead on arrival.
Imo State Police Command has launched an investigation into the killing. Police spokesperson Henry Okoye condemned the attack, pledging swift action to apprehend the perpetrators. “The police are pained by this incident but are committed to ensuring justice is served. Investigations have commenced, and we will stop at nothing to catch those responsible,” Okoye assured.
This latest incident has intensified concerns over insecurity in Imo State, with residents and professionals alike calling for immediate measures to ensure safety along major highways and within communities.
