NBA Awka Vows Justice After Lawyer's Assault by OCHA Task Force

The Nigeria Bar Association, Awka Branch, stands firm in its commitment to securing justice for Charles Ifeanyi, a lawyer subjected to unprovoked assault by operatives of the Operation Clean and Healthy Anambra (OCHA) task force. This incident, which occurred on January 20, saw Mr. Ifeanyi beaten and detained after he allegedly intervened in the task force's confiscation of traders' goods.

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Update on the assault of Charles Ifeanyi on January 20 by OCHA Brigade officers. We refer to our earlier press release dated January 20, in which the Nnamdi Anagor-led administration reported the unfortunate and unprovoked assault on Charles Ifeanyi by members of the OCHA Brigade.

Our branch has been unwavering in its pursuit of accountability, despite initial setbacks and a lack of immediate official response from the OCHA Brigade leadership. Through sustained efforts, we have achieved a significant milestone: the arrest and charging of one of the involved OCHA Brigade officials, Mr. Ibeto Wisdom Onyebuchi. His subsequent remand in custody until May 8, 2026, signifies a crucial step towards ensuring that such lawless acts are met with consequences.

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At the time, we expressed deep concern over the incident and the lack of an immediate official response, as well as the absence of meaningful engagement from the leadership of the Ocha Brigade with our branch.

We extend our commendation to the Nigerian Police Force for their professionalism and assistance in this matter, upholding the rule of law. The Human Rights committee of our branch also deserves praise for their dedication to this cause. The NBA Awka Branch remains resolute in its mission to identify, apprehend, and bring all perpetrators of this brazen act to justice. We will continue to keep the bar informed of all developments.

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Notwithstanding these initial setbacks, deliberate and sustained efforts were undertaken to ensure that justice would be pursued. These steps were not only aimed at addressing the wrong done but also at serving as a deterrent against any recurrence of such acts of lawlessness.