Nnaemeka Ugboma, the chairman of the Ejemekwuru Customary Court in Imo State’s Oguta Local Government Area, was shot and killed by gunmen on Thursday.
According to reliable accounts, he was slain by motorcycle-riding gunmen while presiding over a court hearing.
The incident abruptly ended the court session as attorneys, court personnel, and litigants left.
The murder of the lawyer, who according to our correspondent was from the Nnebukwu community in the Oguta LGA, sparked fear in the Ejemekwuru community, causing locals and residents to flee their houses.
One of the sources said,” The jurist was a law graduate of 1991 set. He was killed in his court while sitting. His killers came with motorcycles. They came into the court, dragged him out and shot him dead and drove off.
“His corpse was there as people in court fled. The whole thing is confusing because nobody knew any reason while they killed him. He was from Nnebukwu community in Oguta LGA here.”
When contacted, Ugochukwu Allinor, the chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association’s Owerri branch, acknowledged the killing and promised to inform the public of the branch’s response.
Henry Okoye, the state’s police spokesperson, did not return calls left for him and, as of the time this story was filed, he had not replied to a text message sent to his mobile number.