The Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, Owerri Branch in Imo State, has set up a fact-finding committee over what it described as the shocking assault on one of its members, Anosike Olachi Madonna, by a staff of the Owerri North Magistrate Court sitting at Awaka.
The fact-finding committee to investigate the incident.
The move was initiated as the NBA Women Forum, NBAWF, Imo State Chapter, condemned the incident and called for justice and institutional reform to protect female lawyers in hostile work environments.
In a statement issued from the secretariat of the NBA, Owerri Branch, the association confirmed the setting up of a three-man committee charged with investigating the facts and circumstances surrounding the physical and verbal assault of the young lawyer, which it said, occurred on June 20.
“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 under listed members have been informed and have accepted to serve. They include Chetachi Udeh as chairperson, Chief Kelechi Ogugbaja as member, and Iyke Umah as secretary,”; the statement said.
The association added that the committee was mandated to investigate the facts and circumstances surrounding the incident and submit its report to the secretariat within five days.
It appreciated the willingness of the committee members to serve and expressed confidence in their capacity to carry out the assignment with the required professionalism and integrity.
The statement maintained that 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.
In a similar gesture, NBAWF in the state, led by C. A. Sunday-Iherue, also issued a similar statement addressing the incident and demanding swift justice.
The Forum stated that it condemns 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 working environment.
“We urge relevant authorities to discipline the assailants, ensure justice is served and take concrete steps to prevent such incidents,”; Iherue stated.
She added that the call for investigation 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.
