_NUJ PROPERTY SAGA: MAGISTRATE COURT ORDERS ARREST, IMPRISONMENT OF OCCUPANTS DESPITE PENDING HIGH COURT JUDGMENT_Rule of law Under Siege?
By Ella Michaels
A bizarre incident unfolded yesterday at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) secretariat in Owerri, Imo State, as a bailiff, Mr. Onyekachi Uba, accompanied by nine armed policemen, stormed the premises, arresting occupants and sealing off the secretariat. The bailiff claimed to be acting on the orders of Magistrate Mrs. Agumadu Agumadu.
However, the NUJ members informed the bailiff that the matter was already before a High Court, with a judgment pending. The High Court, presided over by Hon. Justice Ann Ononeze-Madu, had warned the respondents, including Chris Isiguzo, Chris Akaraonye, Juliet Dim, and Enedo Enterprises, to stay away from the property until the court delivers its judgment.
Despite this, the bailiff insisted on executing the Magistrate's order, stating that the High Court's position was inconsequential. This move has sparked widespread condemnation, with many viewing it as an abuse of court process.
The controversy surrounding the NUJ secretariat began when Enedo Holdings, allegedly a proxy for former Governor Rochas Okorocha, claimed to have purchased the property from a dissident executive led by Chris Akaraonye. The Imo NUJ, led by Comr. Precious Nwadike, Steve Uzoechi, and Lambert Ojukwu, challenged this judgment, arguing that they were not given fair hearing and that the transaction was carried out while a leadership tussle was pending at the National Industrial Court.
The Imo NUJ, through their counsel, Prof. Francis Dike (SAN), had informed the High Court about the incessant harassments of NUJ members by the respondents, Chris Akaraonye, Juliet Dim, Chris Isiguzo, and their lawyer. The court cautioned that further attempts by the respondents to disrespect the court would attract the full wrath of the law.
As the matter continues to unfold, the Imo NUJ has called for the intervention of the relevant authorities to address the apparent disregard for the rule of law. The union has also urged its members to remain calm and law-abiding, even in the face of provocation.
In a related development, the O/C legal at the Imo State Police Headquarters, who spoke on condition of anonymity, claimed ignorance of the matter being before the High Court, stating that he thought it was the same Magistrate that gave the judgment that also wanted to enforce it.
