.jpeg "NBA petitions the IGP regarding an alleged police attack on a member in Imo")
The various branches of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) in Imo State have submitted a formal complaint to the Inspector-General of Police, Olukayode Egbetokun. The complaint pertains to an incident involving an alleged assault and unlawful detention of a member of the NBA, Chigozie Chinaka, by ACP David Ogenyi, who serves as the Area Commander of Owerri Municipality, along with his subordinates.
During a news conference conducted at the Bar Centre in Owerri over the weekend, the Imo Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) made many demands, including the prompt suspension or transfer of ACP Ogenyi. This action is necessary to facilitate an impartial inquiry into the matter at hand.
Ugochukwu Alinnor, the Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Owerri branch, conveyed the official receipt of a written complaint from Chigozie Chanaka, Esq., during the Monthly General Meeting of NBA Owerri Branch on September 30th, 2023. The complaint pertained to the assault, humiliation, torture, and unlawful detention experienced by Chanaka at the hands of ACP David Ogenyi, the Police Area Commander of Owerri Municipality, Imo State, and his subordinates. These incidents occurred on September 25th and 26th, 2023, while Chanaka was rendering legal services to his client.
ACP David Ogenyi, in an effort to conceal his illicit actions, brought charges against our colleague before Magistrate Court 6 in Owerri. The charges, outlined in Charge No. OW/511c/2023, were filed on Tuesday, September 26th, 2023, in the case of COP vs. Chinaka Chigozie.
During the monthly general meeting held on September 30, 2023, the NBA Owerri Branch passed a resolution condemning the actions of ACP David Ogenyi and the officers involved. They called for the immediate suspension of ACP David Ogenyi as the Area Commander, Owerri Municipal, in order to ensure a comprehensive and unbiased investigation into the serious allegations made against him and other officers within the command.
The NBA Owerri Branch has established a three-member committee with the purpose of implementing measures that will ensure that those responsible for the illegal activities are held accountable within the legal system.
In response to the accusations made against the Area Commander, the spokesperson of the Imo State Police Command, ASP Henry Okoye, expressed his views.
It is regrettable and absurd that Barrister Chinaka Chigozie would lead esteemed legal professionals to disseminate a sensitive matter on social media regarding the behavior of a highly ranked Police Officer without conducting a thorough investigation to verify the veracity of the facts involved.
The Command unequivocally asserts that the material disseminated by the Imo NBA is inaccurate, malicious, and deceptive, and hereby notifies the general public accordingly.
The Command perceived this as a deliberate effort to damage the reputation of the Area Commander and the trust that has already been established among the residents of Imo State and the wider public.
Given the aforementioned circumstances, the Commissioner of Police, CP Ahmed Muhammed Barde, has made a plea for tranquility and established a highly competent investigative team. This team will comprise individuals from the Nigeria Bar Association, Imo Branch, and will conduct a discreet inquiry into the underlying factors contributing to the occurrence. he added