The Nigeria Bar Association (NBA), Anaocha Branch, has condemned the alleged harassment of court bailiffs by police officers in Awka, Anambra State, describing it as an affront to judicial authority and an attack on the rule of law.

In a statement issued on Thursday, the Branch Chairman, Dr. Uzoma Charles Dioha, said the incident occurred on Wednesday, October 7, when bailiffs attached to the Chief Magistrate Court, Awka, were executing a judgment pursuant to a warrant issued by a court of competent jurisdiction.

According to the Chief Bailiff, Mr. Francis Nweje, a man who identified himself as the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of B-Division, Awka, appeared at the scene and ordered the court officials to stop the execution and follow him to his station.

The bailiffs reportedly explained they were acting on a valid warrant and asked to conclude their duties before honouring the directive.

Dioha said the officer allegedly summoned reinforcements who harassed and intimidated the court officials. He added that aspects of the incident were captured on video.

The NBA said if established, the conduct represents a grave affront to the judiciary and unacceptable interference with administration of justice.

“The law is clear: Court orders are not subject to police discretion. The police are established to enforce the law, not to frustrate the execution of lawful court orders,” Dioha said.

He cited Section 6(6)(b) and Section 287(3) of the 1999 Constitution, which vest judicial powers in the courts and mandate all authorities to enforce court decisions, as well as the Sheriffs and Civil Process Act and the Police Act, 2020.

The association called on the Commissioner of Police, Anambra State Command, to investigate the incident, identify officers involved, and apply appropriate disciplinary measures if culpability is established.

It also demanded protection for court bailiffs and judicial officers on lawful assignments, issuance of operational directives reminding officers of their duty to respect judicial authority, and an institutional apology to the judiciary if misconduct is substantiated.

“No police officer is above the law, just as no court official is above the law. The exercise of police authority must remain subject to constitutional limitations,” Dioha said, warning that if judicial officers become afraid to execute court orders due to intimidation, the justice system is in jeopardy. (The Sun)

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