- Chaos at Lagos High Court as Lawyer Allegedly Assaults Judicial Officer
- Istead of expressing remorse, Okereke allegedly became enraged, hurled verbal insults at official
- Security personnel attached to the Lagos State Judiciary quickly arrived at the scene, apprehending the lawyer
Tension erupted at the Lagos State High Court on Tuesday when a lawyer, Obinna Okereke, Principal Partner of High Refuge Attorneys, allegedly assaulted a judicial officer, Temilola Ossai, following a minor collision involving his vehicle.
Eko Hot Blog reports that the incident occurred near the court’s entrance when Okereke, who was driving a champagne gold-coloured Toyota Sienna, reportedly brushed Ossai, a staff member of the Lagos State Judiciary, as she walked along the roadside.
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Eyewitnesses said the judicial officer approached the lawyer, requesting an apology for the incident. However, instead of expressing remorse, Okereke allegedly became enraged, hurled verbal insults at her, and physically attacked her, punching her several times in the face.
The assault, according to witnesses, left Ossai bleeding profusely from her nose and mouth, prompting shocked bystanders and court users to intervene.
Security personnel attached to the Lagos State Judiciary quickly arrived at the scene, apprehending the lawyer and preventing further escalation of the situation.
An eyewitness who spoke under anonymity recounted, “The lady only asked him to apologise after the vehicle brushed her. Suddenly, he started shouting, and before we knew it, he began punching her. Blood was coming out of her nose and mouth, it was terrifying.”
The altercation caused panic and temporarily disrupted court proceedings as staff, security officers, and lawyers gathered at the scene in disbelief.
Sources within the judiciary confirmed that the Chief Registrar of the Lagos State Judiciary has ordered a formal petition to be lodged at the Area F Police Command for a full investigation and possible prosecution of the lawyer.
As of press time, efforts to obtain Okereke’s response were unsuccessful. Ossai was said to have received immediate first aid treatment following the assault.
Authorities have assured that the matter will be thoroughly investigated to ensure justice is served.
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