Chuks UzochukwuImo State Chief Judge, Justice Ijeoma Agugua has approved that all courts in the state be shut and lawyers boycott court activities for two days, beginning tomorrow (Tuesday), in protest of the killing of Barrister Darlington Odume.
Odume, popularly known as Omekagu, was gruesomely murdered by suspected assailants in front of a supermarket situated at Amaifeke Orlu, in Orlu council area of the state last Tuesday.
He until his death was the Publicity Secretary of the Nigeria Bar Association, Orlu branch in the state.
The renowned Orlu based legal practitioner, whose wife is a police officer, was also said to be handling some of the cases of those arrested and believed to be innocent due to the violence in Orlu before his death.
Disclosing this to Prime Business Africa, Mr Celestine Agbodike NBA, Orlu Branch Chairman, stated that, “all judicial activities across the state are also expected to be put on hold until the end of the three days protest.”
He described the Odume’s killing as shocking, condemnable, and a heinous crime against the entire Bar and Bench in the state, the country and humanity at large.
According to him, “Darlington was the Publicity Secretary of our branch. He was part of the delegation I led that met with the immediate past Commissioner of Police in the state last July, to protest over the insecurity situation in Imo State, particularly in Orlu area.”
“Darlington was a man for all people. He was a social crusader and fearless human rights activist who championed many positive courses for the good of the NBA and the entire humanity.”
“The state Chief Judge has given approval for all courts in the state to be shut down from today to Wednesday. It is to protest Darlington’s killing among other security challenges in the state.
“So we are using this protest to once again called on the government to put a stop to these killings of innocent citizens in the state, particularly here in Orlu. Orlu has become lawless. And something must be done urgently in order to ensure our safety.” Agbodike added.
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