There has been widespread outrage in Awka, the Anambra State capital, following allegations that the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of the “B” Division of the Nigeria Police Force assaulted court bailiffs who were reportedly executing a Warrant of Possession issued by the Chief Magistrates’ Court in the state.
The allegation was raised by human rights lawyer, Chidi Odinkalu, who claimed that the incident occurred when the bailiffs arrived at the premises to execute the court order.
According to Odinkalu, the police officer ordered the bailiffs to discontinue the execution and leave the premises.
He alleged that the bailiffs declined, particularly as the police officer had not presented any order from a superior court suspending or setting aside the warrant.
Odinkalu further alleged that the officer called for police reinforcement after the bailiffs refused to leave.
He claimed that upon the arrival of the backup officers, the bailiffs were allegedly assaulted, their clothes torn and attempts made to forcibly seize the warrant from them.
The human rights lawyer said one of the bailiffs eventually began recording the incident as the confrontation intensified.
Odinkalu questioned the authority of the police to stop the execution of a court order without producing a contrary order from a superior court.
He also criticised what he described as an apparent attempt by the police to exercise judicial powers, saying the officer appeared to be “presuming that his uniform makes him a summary Court of Appeal.”
The development has raised fresh concerns over police conduct, the protection of judicial officers and respect for court orders in the administration of justice.
The allegations could not be independently verified as of press time, while the Anambra State Police Command had yet to publicly respond to the claims.
