Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The Nigerian Bar Association, Awka Branch, has reiterated its unwavering resolve to ensure that every individual involved in the brutal assault of a lawyer, Charles Ifeanyi, by operatives of the Operation Clean and Healthy Anambra (OCHA) task force is identified, arrested, and brought to justice. In a statement issued on Monday, the branch confirmed a major breakthrough: one of the OCHA Brigade officials involved in the January 20 assault, identified as Mr. Ibeto Wisdom Onyebuchi, was arrested on Friday, April 24, 2026, and formally charged to court on the same day. The lawyer was reportedly beaten, handcuffed, and forcefully bundled into a task force vehicle at a plaza in Eke-Awka Market, Awka, after he questioned officials who were confiscating traders' goods during an enforcement exercise.
The assault, which occurred on January 20, 2026, has been described by the NBA Awka Branch as an "unfortunate and unprovoked attack". In the immediate aftermath, the branch expressed deep concern over the incident and the lack of an official response from the leadership of the OCHA Brigade. However, in a press statement issued on Monday, the Publicity Secretary of the branch, Michael Ozojiofor, announced that persistent and deliberate efforts by the branch had finally yielded a significant step toward accountability. “One of the Ocha Brigade officials involved in the assault, Mr Ibeto Wisdom Onyebuchi, was arrested on the 24th of April 2026 and formally charged to court on the same day with Charge No: MAW/108c/2026, which led to his remand in prison custody till May 8, 2026,” the statement read in part. The arraignment took place before an Awka Magistrate Court, which granted the suspect bail but ordered his remand pending the fulfilment of conditions, including that the bail bond be signed personally by the OCHA Brigade Commander.
The NBA Awka Branch commended the Nigeria Police Force for its professionalism and support in facilitating the arrest and the subsequent arraignment. The branch also praised its own Human Rights Committee for its dedication and commitment to ensuring justice took its course. The statement, which was made available to newsmen on Monday, April 27, 2026, noted that despite initial setbacks, including the absence of meaningful engagement from the OCHA Brigade leadership, the NBA branch had remained resolute. “These steps were not only aimed at addressing the wrong done but also at serving as a deterrent against any recurrence of such acts of lawlessness,” the statement added.
The branch has made it clear that it considers the arrest and remand of Onyebuchi as a "significant step toward accountability and justice". However, it has also warned that the investigation is not yet complete. “We remain resolute in our commitment to seeing that the rest of the individuals involved in this brazen act are identified, apprehended and brought to justice. No effort will be spared in pursuing this objective,” the NBA Awka Branch declared. The branch has vowed to keep the bar informed of further developments as they unfold.
The assault on the lawyer has been the subject of a viral video that showed over 15 OCHA Brigade operatives at the scene, with some seen physically assaulting the legal practitioner before forcefully bundling him into a Hilux van. It was also gathered that the lawyer was first detained at the OCHA Brigade office, and his younger brother, who came to inquire about his whereabouts, was also detained. The intervention of the Awka Branch of the NBA was required before the lawyer was eventually released from custody. Following his release, the lawyer filed a lawsuit against the agency, alleging assault, unlawful detention, and abuse of power. There were also allegations that state-owned security outfits such as Agunechemba and Udogachi had been used to shield those involved from justice.
The OCHA Brigade, officially known as the Operation Clean and Healthy Anambra task force, is a state-run agency responsible for ensuring a clean environment in the south‑eastern state. Officials of the agency routinely clear illegal structures and confiscate goods obstructing roads, particularly around markets. The incident in Eke-Awka Market underscores the growing tension between the agency's enforcement officers and citizens, including legal practitioners who intervene to challenge what they perceive as overreach.
The case has now been adjourned to May 8, 2026. The NBA Awka Branch has urged its members and the public to remain vigilant and continue to support efforts to uphold the rule of law. The outcome of the proceeding is being closely watched by the legal community, which views this case as a litmus test for the accountability of state enforcement agencies in Nigeria. The branch's declaration that "no effort will be spared" sends a strong signal that the legal profession will not tolerate attacks on its members, and that those who abuse their power will be made to face the full weight of the law.
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