Members of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) in Imo state have protested against what they described as “rising” insecurity in the state.

The lawyers on Tuesday staged a demonstration in Owerri, the state capital, to call on the government to beef up security around the courts.

The protest is coming days after Nnaemeka Ugboma, a judge and the chairman of the customary court in Ejemekwuru, was killed in Oguta LGA of the state.

The judge was shot dead when gunmen invaded the court during proceedings on Thursday.

BarristerNG reported that Lawyers and judges in Imo State under the aegis of Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), yesterday, commenced a three-day boycott of judicial activities to demonstrate their displeasure over the murder.

A memo signed by the Publicity Secretary of NBA, Owerri branch, Daniel Odiba, and sent to members, reads in part: “This is to remind you that the boycott of courts in Imo State shall commence today, Monday, February 6, 2023 and end on Wednesday February 8, 2023.

“On Tuesday, February 7, there shall be a coordinated, peaceful protest march by all lawyers in the state, from the Bar Centre, Magistrate Court Complex, Orlu Road to the Government House, Owerri, down to the Police Headquarters. Take off time is 10:00 a.m.

The Owerri branch Chairman of NBA, Ugochukwu Allinor, expressed disgust over the rate of killings and attack on lawyers, as well as judicial officers in the 27 councils of the state, urging the state government to step up on security.