NBA promises justice for lawyer assaulted by Anambra task force officials

The Nigeria Bar Association, Awka Branch, has restated its resolve to ensure justice for a lawyer, Charles Ifeanyi, who was assaulted by operatives of the Operation Clean and Healthy Anambra task force, otherwise known as “OCHA Brigade”.

The lawyer was reportedly assaulted by the task force officials on January 20 at a plaza in Eke-Awka Market in Awka, the Anambra State capital, after he allegedly interfered with their enforcement exercise.

He was reportedly beaten and bundled into a van belonging to the task force for questioning them while they were confiscating goods belonging to some traders in the market.

However, while providing an update on the matter in a press statement issued on Monday, the Publicity Secretary, NBA Awka Branch, Ozojiofor Michael, said one of the OCHA Brigade officials involved in the assault was arrested on April 24 and formally charged in court on the same day.

Michael said his arrest and subsequent remand in custody mark a significant step towards accountability and justice.

The statement read in part, “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.

“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.

“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.

“We write to inform the bar that progress has been made. One of the Ocha Brigade officials involved in the assault, Mr Ibeto Wisdom Onyebuchi, was arrested on the 24th of April 2026 and formally charged to court on the same day with Charge No: MAW/108c/2026, which led to his remand in prison custody till May 8, 2026.

“This development marks a significant step toward accountability and justice.

“We commend the Nigerian Police Force for its professionalism and support in facilitating this outcome. Their role has been instrumental in ensuring that the rule of law is upheld.

“We also commend the Human Rights committee of the branch for their dedication ans commitment to ensuring justice took its course.

“We remain resolute in our commitment to seeing that the rest of the individuals involved in this brazen act are identified, apprehended and brought to justice. No effort will be spared in pursuing this objective.

“The bar will be kept informed of further developments as they unfold.”