Tina Amanda
Nigerian Bar Association, Rivers State Branch has demanded the immediate and unconditional release of all lawyers in kidnappers den, most notably, Mr Iyke Emelogu.
Chairman NBA Portharcourt, Sylvester Adaka, who stated this to journalists on behalf of its members, condemned the incessant kidnapping and assassination of lawyers in the state.
Adaka noted that despite the increase in the kidnapping, the killing of lawyers, nobody has been arrested in connection to the crimes.
He stressed that if such trends continue, they will be forced to withdraw their professional services.
“We are dismayed at the incessant kidnapping of lawyers and their family members in Rivers State, particularly the recent kidnap of Barrister Iyke Emelogu, on the 4th of August 2019, at Unity Estate Eneka, in Obio-Akpor local government area, also Sunday Wonmo Esq, Minimal Omuboye and David Uranta.
“We condemn the attack and assassination of lawyers in the state, including the murder of Frank Igwe, Ken Atsuete, Anthony Wakama amongst others. We condemn the increasing rate of cultism, armed robbery, gangsterism and other criminal activities going on in the state.
“Failure to comply with these demands, we shall direct all lawyers in Rivers State to withdraw their professional services from all cases of kidnapping, cultism, armed robbery pending at all courts or before any security outfit.”
He, however, called on security agencies to make use of all the forensic technologies provided by the state government to track down the perpetrators.
“We call on security agencies to utilize the gesture of the state government in the search and immediate release of our colleagues unharmed. ”
He further advised all those involved in such act to desist from it and engage in meaningful activities that will better their lives and the state.
