*Says Effecting Arrest In Court Is Not Allowed
*Applauds Lawyers For Risking Their Lives During The Incidence To Protect Sanctity Of Courts
*Calls For Investigation Into The Matter
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The Immediate Past National Assistant Secretary of the Nigerian Bar Association, Ewenode O. William, has condemned the invasion of a Magistrates Court in Cross Rivers by Police Officers to arrest a suspect.
In a statement made available to TheNigeriaLawyer, William, who is also the former Secretary of NBA Effurun Branch and former Secretary of NBA National Welfare Committee, said the invasion left lawyers with sadness. He said he hopes that the incidence does not signify a return to the dark days where court sessions are invaded by the police in the guise of making arrests.
He said, “The reported news of the contemptuous invasion of the hallowed Magistrate Court, Anam Oruk in Cross Rivers State yesterday, the 31st day of August, 2021, by some alleged Police Officers left some of us, Lawyers, with sadness.
“To say the least, I strongly think this is not a return to the dark days where Court Sessions were crudely invaded by some Members of the Police Force in the pretext of effecting arrests of offenders. I would think not.
“I join all well-meaning Lawyers to condemn this brazen and crude means of effecting arrest of any suspect.”
William said there are better ways and places where a suspect can be arrested and the court does not include those places. He commended lawyers who risked their lives during the incident to preserve the sanctity of the court. He also called for an investigation into the matter.
“There are better ways and places where suspects can be arrested and the precincts of the Court is not one of such places where a suspect MUST be arrested.
“I must commend our noble colleagues who distinguished themselves in preserving the sanctity of the Court even at the risk of their lives, I say once again, thank you, my dear colleagues, you were noble in your action.
“As has been canvassed, I also adopt the position that an investigation be caused to unveil the reason for this shameful but unprofessional incident and the appropriate sanctions be made.” William said
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