The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Owerri Branch has taken swift action, following the shocking assault on one of its members, Anosike Olachi Madonna, by a staff member of the Owerri North Magistrate Court sitting at Awaka.

Subsequently, the NBA has established a three-man fact-finding committee to investigate the incident, which occurred on June 20.

“The branch has now formally constituted the fact-finding committee to investigate the incident… The committee is mandated to investigate the facts and circumstances surrounding the incident and submit its report to the secretariat within five days,” NBA said in a statement.

The committee, comprising Chetachi Udeh as the chairperson, Chief Kelechi Ogugbaja as member, and Iyke Umah as the secretary, has been tasked with getting to the bottom of the incident.

The NBA Women Forum (NBAWF) Imo State Chapter has also condemned the incident, calling for justice and institutional reform to protect female lawyers in hostile work environments.

“We stand in solidarity with the affected lawyer and offer our full support… We urge relevant authorities to discipline the assailants, ensure justice is served, and take concrete steps to prevent such incidents,” said C. A. Sunday-Iherue, leader of the NBAWF.

The NBA Owerri Branch has assured that it remains committed to upholding the dignity of the legal profession and ensuring that justice is not only done but is seen to be done.

As the investigation unfolds, the NBA’s swift action demonstrates its commitment to protecting its members and promoting a safe and respectful working environment for all lawyers.