The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Owerri Branch, has escalated its response to the shocking assault of one of its members, Anosike Olachi Madonna, Esq., by court staff at the Owerri North Magistrate Court sitting at Awaka, by formally constituting a Fact-Finding Committee to investigate the incident.
This comes as the NBA Women Forum (NBAWF), Imo State Chapter, issued a strong condemnation and called for justice and institutional reform to protect female lawyers in hostile work environments.
In a notice issued this morning, June 21, 2025, from the Secretariat of the NBA Owerri Branch, the Association confirmed the formation of a three-man committee tasked with investigating the facts and circumstances surrounding the physical and verbal assault of the young lawyer, which occurred on June 20, 2025.
“Following our earlier publication dated 20th June, 2025, concerning the unfortunate assault on Anosike Olachi Madonna, Esq. at the Owerri North Magistrate Court sitting at Awaka, the Branch has now formally constituted the Fact-Finding Committee to investigate the incident. The underlisted members have been informed and have accepted to serve:
1. Chetachi Udeh – Chairperson
2. Chief Kelechi Ogugbaja – Member
3. Iyke Umah – Secretary
“The Committee is mandated to investigate the facts and circumstances surrounding the incident and submit its report to the Secretariat within five (5) days.
We appreciate their willingness to serve and are confident in their capacity to carry out this important assignment with the required professionalism and integrity.
“The NBA Owerri Branch remains committed to upholding the dignity of the legal profession and ensuring that justice is not only done but is seen to be done.”
Meanwhile, the NBA Women Forum (NBAWF), Imo State, led by C. A. Sunday-Iherue, ACArb, issued a separate press statement addressing the same incident and demanding swift justice.
“The NBAWF Imo State strongly condemns the recent assault on one of their members Anosike Olachi by a court clerk. This incident is a disturbing reminder of the challenges Lawyers face in their professional environments.
We unequivocally condemn any form of violence or harassment against female Lawyers, particularly in workplaces. We stand in solidarity with the affected lawyer and offer our full support. We call for a thorough investigation and appropriate action against these clerks of court. We emphasize the need for safe and respectful work environment.
“We urge relevant authorities to discipline the assailants, ensure justice is served and take concrete steps to prevent such incidents.”
The dual response underscores the gravity of the incident and the growing demand for institutional reform to ensure the protection of lawyers — particularly women — from harassment, abuse, and violence within court premises. Legal practitioners across the state and beyond have called for immediate disciplinary measures and a systemic review of conduct and accountability protocols for court staff.
With the NBA Owerri Branch’s committee expected to submit its findings within five days, attention now turns to whether the judiciary and relevant government bodies will match the Bar’s resolve with concrete actions to ensure that justice is done and the sanctity of the court is restored.
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