JUSUN Accuses Awka DPO of Assaulting Court Bailiffs, Demands Disciplinary Action
By Our Reporter
The Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria, JUSUN, Anambra State Branch, has accused the Divisional Police Officer, DPO, in charge of B’ Division, Awka, CSP Stephen Okwundu, and his officers of abuse of office, assault, intimidation and harassment of court bailiffs on lawful duty.
The Union made the accusation in a press statement signed by its Chairman, Comrade Henry Ifeanyichukwu Ezeoke, and Assistant Secretary, Comrade Ugochukwu Nwezi, following a viral video showing a court bailiff being harassed and assaulted in Awka.
According to JUSUN, the incident happened on Wednesday, October 7, 2026, between court bailiffs attached to the Chief Magistrate’s Court, Awka, and officers of B’ Division, Awka.
The Union said the bailiffs were on official duty to execute a court judgment in suit number MAW/15/2025, with a warrant duly signed by a court of competent jurisdiction, when the DPO appeared alone at the scene and attempted to stop them.
JUSUN stated that when the DPO could not stop the exercise, he blocked the entrance of the property with his official vehicle and called for reinforcement.
The Union alleged that on arrival of the police team, the bailiffs were ordered to discontinue their job and follow the officers to the station. When they insisted they were on lawful duty, the officers allegedly resorted to harassment, intimidation and assault, dragging one bailiff into the DPO’s vehicle. The bailiff, according to JUSUN, sustained minor injuries and had his clothes torn in the process.
JUSUN described the action as unprofessional, irresponsible and a calculated attack on the rule of law and an intentional disrespect to judicial authorities.
“The court and the police are partners in administration of justice; and execution of valid court orders, warrants, or writs of execution, by court officials, are not subject to the DPO’s discretion, behest or whims and caprices,” the statement read.
The Union argued that the action contravenes Section 6(6)(b) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), which vests judicial powers on the courts.
JUSUN called on the Commissioner of Police, Anambra State Police Command, CP Nana Oji Ama, to take immediate disciplinary action against the DPO and his officers to serve as a deterrent to others who may wish to obstruct justice administration.
The Union also demanded a thorough investigation into the incident, full protection of court bailiffs and all judiciary staff on lawful assignments, and an unreserved apology from the DPO and his men to the Judiciary of Anambra State and the affected officials.
Efforts to get the reaction of the Anambra State Police Command and the DPO were unsuccessful at the time of filing this report
