In a tragic turn of events, some lawyers under the aegis of Ekiti State University’s LL.B Class of 2018 have rallied to demand justice following the gruesome murder of their colleague, Jeremiah Jeriano Chukwu, Esq., in Bayelsa State. Jeremiah, a member of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Sagbama Branch and a ‘rising star’ in criminal litigation, was allegedly killed by his neighbors on September 14, 2024, under yet-to-be-confirmed circumstances.
His classmates have petitioned the NBA President, alongside other high-profile authorities, including the Attorney-General of the Federation and the Inspector-General of Police, urging swift action to ensure that the culprits are brought to justice. The petition laments the increasing attacks on legal professionals in Nigeria, warning that the failure to act decisively could have far-reaching consequences for the safety of lawyers across the country.
According to the petition, Jeremiah’s legal career, though tragically short-lived, was marked by excellence, dedication, and service. As Head of Chambers at Ace & Ark LLP and Welfare Secretary of the Young Lawyers Forum (YLF) in his NBA branch, he earned the admiration of his peers and the legal community. His murder has sent shockwaves throughout the legal profession, with calls for the protection of lawyers intensifying.
The petitioners emphasize the need for deterrence, pointing out that lawyers are becoming increasingly vulnerable to violent attacks. They have called on the NBA to establish a legal task force to monitor the investigation and prosecution, while also appealing to law enforcement agencies to ensure thorough investigations and regular updates to the public.The legal community now waits in hope that the wheels of justice will turn swiftly in Jeremiah’s favor, not only to honor his memory but also to safeguard the integrity and safety of the legal profession in Nigeria.
