The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Anaocha Branch, has condemned the alleged harassment of court bailiffs by police officers in Awka, Anambra State, describing the incident as a threat to judicial authority and the rule of law.
In a statement dated Thursday, October 8, 2026, the branch Chairman, Dr. Uzoma Dioha, said the incident occurred on October 7 when bailiffs attached to the Chief Magistrate Court, Awka, were executing a court judgment pursuant to a valid warrant.
According to the NBA, the Chief Bailiff, Nweje Francis, reported that a man who identified himself as the DPO of B-Division, Awka, stopped the bailiffs, ordered them to discontinue the execution and directed them to accompany him to the police station.
The bailiffs reportedly explained that they were acting under a valid court warrant and requested to complete the assignment. The NBA alleged that the officer subsequently called for reinforcements, leading to what it described as harassment and intimidation of the court officials.
The association said portions of the incident were reportedly captured on video and called for an impartial investigation to establish what transpired and determine whether any officer acted unlawfully.
Citing Section 287(3) of the 1999 Constitution and relevant provisions of the Sheriffs and Civil Process Act, the NBA stressed that lawful court processes must be respected and executed without arbitrary interference.
Dioha acknowledged the constitutional responsibilities of the police but warned that those responsibilities could not justify the obstruction of lawful judicial processes.
The NBA therefore called on the Anambra State Commissioner of Police to investigate the incident, identify any officers found culpable and take appropriate disciplinary action where necessary.
It also urged the police command to issue clear directives protecting court officials from interference while carrying out lawful duties.
The association warned that unchecked interference with court processes could undermine public confidence in the justice system, stressing that court orders must be obeyed, court officials protected and the rule of law upheld.
