Former classmates of Barr. Jeremiah Jeriano Chukwu has called on the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, and other authorities to fish out his killers.
Jeremiah’s promising life was allegedly cut short by some of his neighbours in Bayelsa State over a yet-to-be-confirmed allegation last Saturday.
In a petition addressed to the NBA President, Attorney-General of the Federation and the Inspector-General of Police alongside other high-profile authorities, his former classmates, under the aegis of Ekiti State University’s LL.B Class of 2018, called for swift action to ensure that the culprits are brought to justice.
The petition signed by Israel Olawumi and Adeusi Anthony Kay, President and Secretary respectively, the lawyers called on all parties addressed in the petition to urgently prioritize justice in the matter and take decisive actions to prevent future occurrences of violence against members of the legal profession.
“Jeremiah was not just any lawyer; he was a highly esteemed member of the NBA Sagbama Branch, Bayelsa State. In his lifetime, he quickly rose to the position of Head of Chambers at Ace & Ark LLP due to his brilliance, diligence, work ethic, positive attitude, and warm personality. Although young, he had already earned a reputation as an outstanding advocate, particularly in criminal litigation across Bayelsa State. His commitment to the legal profession was unwavering, as exemplified by his exemplary service as the Welfare Secretary of the Young Lawyers Forum (YLF) in his local NBA branch, where he earned the respect and admiration of his colleagues.
“The senseless murder of such a bright and promising attorney has not only left a void in the hearts of his family, friends, and colleagues but has also created a significant gap in the legal community. More alarming is the growing trend of violent attacks on lawyers in Nigeria, a disturbing development that threatens the safety and integrity of the legal profession. If this escalating crisis is not urgently addressed, it could have catastrophic consequences, leaving lawyers even more vulnerable. The surge in brutal attacks on legal practitioners demands immediate action, lest more lives be lost.
“While we have been informed that two of the alleged perpetrators have been apprehended, we strongly appeal to you, Mr. President, and all copied parties, to ensure that these assailants—and any accomplices—face the full weight of justice. This is not just about seeking justice for Jeremiah; it is about sending a clear message that such violent acts against members of our profession, and indeed any citizen of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, will not be tolerated,” the petition read.
They called on the President, Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), to use the influence of his office to actively monitor the investigation and prosecution of the perpetrators involved in Jeremiah’s murder. They also urged the NBA to set up a legal task force to ensure due process and timely justice.
They tasked the Chairmen, NBA Yenagoa and Sagbama branches to provide local leadership in seeking justice for their fallen member and colleague and to work closely with law enforcement and the prosecutors to ensure swift and decisive action.
Late Jeremiah’s former classmates charged the Attorney-General of the Federation to oversee the legal process and ensure the necessary prosecutorial attention is devoted to this case.
“Your leadership in guiding and expediting this matter will be pivotal in setting a strong example that the law applies equally to all and that crimes against lawyers will not be tolerated in any form,” the said.
They called for Inspector-General of Police’s immediate intervention in ensuring a thorough and transparent investigation into the matter
“We pray that you release necessary signals/orders and give life to necessary task force that will ensure the apprehension of all suspects, their prosecution, and regular updates to us and the legal community, restoring public confidence in law enforcement’s ability to protect legal professionals and bring offenders to justice.”
