Lawyer Arrested for Allegedly Assaulting Lagos Judiciary Official at Court Premises
A dramatic scene unfolded at the Lagos State High Court premises on Tuesday when a lawyer, Mr. Obinna Okereke, Principal Partner of High Refuge Attorneys, allegedly assaulted a judicial officer, Mrs Temilola Ossai, after hitting her with his vehicle.
According to eyewitness accounts, the incident occurred near the court entrance when Okereke, who was driving a champagne gold-coloured Toyota Sienna bus, reportedly struck Mrs Ossai, a staff member of the Lagos State Judiciary, by the roadside.
Sources reported that the victim, who was en route to the courthouse, approached the lawyer to demand an apology for the minor collision. Instead of apologizing, Okereke allegedly became aggressive, verbally insulted her, and then descended on her with several blows to the face.
The impact of the assault reportedly caused blood to gush from Mrs Ossai’s nose and mouth, prompting alarm among onlookers.
Passersby and court users quickly intervened to prevent further attack before security personnel attached to the Lagos State Judiciary arrived and arrested the lawyer at the scene.
An eyewitness who preferred anonymity said, “The lady only asked him to say sorry after he hit her with the car. But he suddenly flared up, shouting at her, and before we knew it, he punched her severally in the face. It was terrible — blood started coming out of her nose and mouth.”
The incident disrupted normal court activities as concerned staff and security officers gathered at the scene.
Reports indicate that the Chief Registrar of the Lagos State Judiciary has directed that a formal complaint be lodged against Mr. Okereke at the Area F Command of the Nigeria Police for further investigation and possible prosecution.
As of press time, efforts to reach Mr. Okereke for his comment were unsuccessful, while Mrs Ossai was said to have received first aid treatment following the assault.
The Lagos State Judiciary has yet to issue an official statement on the incident.
