Judges seek adequate protection over incessant attacks

NSCDC uncovers illegal refinery in Imo

Imo State Government has been called upon to beef up security at court premises for judges and lawyers in the state, especially during proceedings.

High Court judges in the state, Justices Victoria Isiguzo, and Mike Nwagboso, made the call at the weekend, after swearing in the new Mbano and Etiti branch executive members of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) led by Richard Anyanwu.

They also decried the deplorable condition of courtrooms in the division, describing them as about the worst in the state.

Nwagboso, said: “I was working here before unknown gunmen attacked the place and I had to relocate to Owerri, where I now sit. The issue of security is very important to judges, lawyers, and litigants. What touches one of us, touches all of us. I urge the new executive to work together to realise the collective dream of the team.”

“The Mbano court hall is dilapidated. It leaks badly each time it rains. It is about the worst court hall in the state. How do you send somebody there and expect him to work optimally?”

He tasked the new executive to tackle the challenges for a better justice system.

In his post-inauguration address, Anyanwu promised that the situation would be looked into.

MEANWHILE, Operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Imo have uncovered an illegal petroleum refinery in the state.

Briefing journalists at the state headquarters of the corps, at the weekend, the state Commandant, Michael Ogah, said his men, acting on credible information, stormed the refinery located at Ukwugba, Obiakpo Egbema, in Ohaji/Egbema Local Council of the state.

One Kenneth Chukwumere, who was arrested, denied culpability, claiming that he was on a visit when he was caught.

The commandant appealed to community leaders, including those of Owerri and Ngor Okpala axes, to expose such economic saboteurs, who engaging in vandalism of pipes and poor refining of diesel, petrol, and kerosene and supplying to dealers in the country.

He disclosed that the command, under his watch, would not rest on its oars until those engaging in the illicit activities were apprehended and dealt with accordingly.