The Anambra State Police Command has commenced an assessment of an encounter between operatives attached to B Division and court bailiffs enforcing a court order, following concerns raised over a video circulating on social media.
![](https://thenigerialawyer.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/2026-IDRI-Masterclass.png")
In a statement dated Thursday, October 8, 2026, the command’s spokesperson, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, said the footage showed only part of the incident and did not establish the full circumstances preceding the encounter.
The command said it had engaged the relevant parties to establish what happened and ensure that the matter was handled professionally, impartially and in accordance with the law.
The clarification comes amid allegations of interference with court enforcement. The Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association’s Anaocha Branch, Uzoma Dioha, alleged that the Divisional Police Officer of B Division, Awka, directed officers to harass bailiffs executing an order of the Chief Magistrate Court, Awka, on Wednesday, October 7.
Dioha called for an investigation, accountability for any misconduct established, protection for bailiffs carrying out lawful duties and an institutional apology.
Responding to the controversy, the police command presented a preliminary account in which its officers were responding to a reported disturbance rather than deliberately intervening against identified court officials.
“The Command notes that the circulating video captures only part of the incident and does not, in itself, provide the full circumstances or events preceding the encounter. The Command has therefore commenced an assessment of the incident with a view to establishing the facts,” Ikenga stated.
According to the command, preliminary information indicated that officers received a distress call concerning unidentified persons and a disturbance at premises within the division’s jurisdiction.
On arrival, the officers reportedly met individuals evicting occupants and removing property from the premises.
“Upon arrival at the scene, the operatives met some individuals engaged in the eviction of persons and removal of properties from the premises. In the course of establishing the identities of the persons involved and the purpose of their activities, the officers approached them and requested appropriate identification,” the statement said.
The command acknowledged that a disagreement occurred during the interaction.
“During the interaction, there was a disagreement between the police operatives and some of the persons present. The persons subsequently identified themselves as court bailiffs carrying out an enforcement exercise pursuant to a court order.”
Ikenga said the preliminary information available to the command also suggested that the division had not been approached for security assistance before the enforcement exercise commenced.
“The Command further understands, from the preliminary information available, that the Police Division was not previously approached for security assistance before the commencement of the enforcement exercise,” he said.
The police maintained that, after learning that the individuals were court bailiffs acting under a court order, the officers explained the procedure for requesting police security support and withdrew.
“Upon being informed that the persons were court bailiffs acting pursuant to a court order, the police operatives advised them on the appropriate procedure for requesting police security support during such enforcement exercises and subsequently withdrew from the scene.”
That explanation remains the command’s preliminary account. The statement did not announce a concluded finding on the allegations of harassment or identify any disciplinary action against the officers involved.
The command reiterated its respect for judicial authority and independence, saying it remained committed to providing lawful security assistance for the enforcement of valid court orders where such support was duly requested and required.
It also said enforcement processes should be conducted peacefully and in accordance with the law.
“The Command has nevertheless taken note of the concerns arising from the incident and has engaged the relevant parties as part of efforts to establish the complete facts and ensure that the matter is handled professionally, impartially and in accordance with the law,” Ikenga stated.
He urged members of the public to exercise restraint and avoid reaching conclusions solely from video clips that might not capture the complete sequence of events.
“The Command will communicate further developments as necessary upon conclusion of the ongoing assessment,” he added.
[A MUST HAVE] Evidence Act Demystified With Recent And Contemporary Cases And Materials
Available now for NGN 40,000 at ASC Publications, 10, Boyle Street, Onikan, Lagos. Beside High Court, TBS. Email publications@ayindesanni.com or WhatsApp +2347056667384. Purchase Link: https://paystack.com/buy/evidence-act-complete-annotation
______________________________________________________________________ “Enhance Legal Practice With Authoritative Reports” — Alexander Payne Offers Comprehensive Law Reports, Spanning Over A Century Of Nigerian Jurisprudence
Interested buyers are encouraged to place their orders and enquiries via:
0704 444 4777, 0704 444 4999, 0818 199 9888
Website: www.alexandernigeria.com
