There has been a host of opinions by legal practitioners and some members of the Nigerian Bar Association on the wanton act of Police brutality of a fellow lawyer sometime last year that ended in court; consequent upon the suit a judgement has been delivered on the 27th of April, 2020 in the favour of the victim lawyer, Ogbonnaya Obasi, Esq.
Below is an
excerpt of the opinion of Mr. John Aikpokpo- Martins, former Chairman NBA Warri
branch on the subject.
"My attention has been drawn to the erudite judgment of Hon. Justice Theophine Oguji of the Onitsha High Court delivered in the case of Ogbonnaya Obasi against Emeka Eboh & 4 others in Suit No. O/Misc. 312/2019 on Monday the 27th of April, 2020.We all recall the video that went viral sometime in October, 2019 wherein some police officers shamelessly brutalized a lawyer in Onitsha despite the fact that he introduced himself to them as a lawyer.
It is gratifying to know that the NBA Onitsha branch pursued and obtained justice and redeemed the dignity of the profession that got so battered in that episode.
However, my utmost respect and commendation goes to the Honourable Judge who granted the following reliefs ie;
"1. Personal apology to O. J. Obasi, to be published in Daily Vanguard Newspaper.
2. Personal written apology to O. J. Obasi by the Respondents.
3. N25m damages jointly and severally, for assaulting the Applicant."
This judgment is most welcome and if our courts will be this courageous, then the fight against police brutality of lawyers will be won in no distant time. I hope that this judgment is enforced as soon as possible"
-J. O. Aikpokpo-Martins Esq
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