Get Guardian on GoogleThere was drama at the Lagos State High Court premises when a lawyer, Obinna Okereke, Principal Partner of High Refuge Attorneys, allegedly assaulted a judicial officer, Temilola Ossai, after reportedly hitting her with his vehicle.
Eyewitnesses said the incident occurred near the court entrance when Okereke, driving a champagne gold-coloured Toyota Sienna bus, allegedly collided with Ossai, a staff member of the Lagos State Judiciary, who was walking by the roadside.
Sources said the victim, on her way to the courthouse, approached the lawyer to request an apology for the minor collision. Instead of apologising, Okereke reportedly became enraged, verbally abused her, and then assaulted her with multiple blows to the face.
The violent attack allegedly caused blood to gush from Ossai’s nose and mouth, drawing the attention of shocked onlookers. Passersby and court users quickly intervened to stop the assault before security personnel attached to the Lagos State Judiciary arrived and arrested the lawyer at the scene.
An eyewitness, speaking on condition of anonymity, recalled: “The lady simply asked him to apologise after he hit her with the car.
But he suddenly flared up, shouting at her, and before we knew it, he punched her repeatedly in the face. It was terrible, blood started coming out of her nose and mouth.”
The incident caused panic and temporarily disrupted activities within the court premises as staff and security officers gathered in confusion and outrage.
It was further learnt that the Chief Registrar of the Lagos State Judiciary directed that a formal complaint be lodged against Okereke at the Area F Command of the Nigeria Police for investigation and possible prosecution.
At press time, efforts to reach Okereke for comment were unsuccessful. Ossai was said to have received first aid treatment following the assault.
The Lagos State Judiciary has not yet issued an official statement on the incident.
