By Cynthia Peterson Citizens across the federation have expressed their outrage over the intimidation and fraudulent activities ...
By Cynthia Peterson
Citizens across the federation have expressed their outrage over the intimidation and fraudulent activities carried out by some legal practitioners, calling on the government to take action to curb their excesses. The call comes after the Minister of Women Affairs, Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye, placed a 2 million naira bounty on a lawyer from Anambra State who allegedly abused a minor.
Effiong Bassey, one of the complainants, lamented the behaviour of lawyers who take advantage of ordinary citizens, using their knowledge of the law and their connections to intimidate and defraud people. Bassey explained that lawyers often threaten individuals who are unaware of their legal rights, making false accusations against them and leveraging their relationships with judges and law enforcement to arrest and punish innocent people.
Blessing Timothy echoed Bassey's sentiments, stating that lawyers often believe they are above the law when dealing with less privileged individuals and take advantage of their vulnerable positions. She cited the case of the Anambra lawyer who allegedly abused a young girl, suggesting that the lawyer targeted the child because she came from a poor family who would be unable to fight back legally.
Another citizen, Reuben Solomon, shared his personal experience of being falsely framed by a lawyer who claimed to have connections with the federal government. Solomon recounted how the lawyer manipulated the police to target him unfairly.
In response to the growing concerns over the abuse of power by legal practitioners, Minister Kennedy-Ohanenye announced a 2 million naira bounty on the Anambra-based lawyer accused of abusing a 10-year-old girl. Addressing journalists in Abuja, she emphasised her right to intervene in matters concerning women and children. The incident is reported to have occurred in the Onitsha North Local Government area of Anambra State.
The lawyer, Adachukwu Cukelu-Okafor, allegedly used various objects, including a broken bottle, a knife, and an electric iron, to harm the child in response to an incident involving her own daughter. A video circulating online shows the victim covered in burns, reportedly inflicted by Cukelu-Okafor.
The minister expressed her frustration at the lack of progress in resolving the case and declared her intention to take action. She urged Nigerians to assist in locating and apprehending Cukelu-Okafor, promising a reward of 2 million naira to anyone who provides information leading to her arrest.
Kennedy-Ohanenye also announced plans to address the issue of employing minors as domestic workers in the future. She called on Nigerians to come forward as whistleblowers and fight for their country, highlighting the willingness of President Bola Tinubu to address issues and solve problems.
The Minister encouraged individuals to report any information that could benefit the nation to the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs, ensuring immediate action would be taken. She called on citizens not to remain passive and allow opportunities for positive change to pass them by. The Anambra lawyer's case serves as a reminder of the importance of protecting the rights of women and children and ensuring that justice is served.
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