Over the weekend, I read about the appalling and unconscionable act of violence inflicted upon Uduak Adams, a fellow citizen and young legal practitioner. It is not only deeply distressing but also utterly unjust that she was subjected to a brutal assault and near-lynching by a mob based on unfounded allegations of child kidnapping while she was engaged in a simple house-hunting endeavour. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the grave consequences that can result from the dangerous combination of misinformation, prejudice, and mob mentality.

That episode is condemnable, and I wholeheartedly condemn it. In the pursuit of justice and the upholding of our fundamental human rights, it is imperative that we, as a society, unequivocally demand action.

It is reassuring to learn that the Nigerian Bar Association has resolved to take on this matter. I equally call upon the Nigeria Police and all relevant authorities to urgently and exhaustively investigate this deplorable incident, ensuring that every individual responsible for this heinous act is identified, apprehended, and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. We cannot allow such acts of vigilante violence to go unpunished, as they undermine the very foundations of our legal system and our commitment to fairness and justice.

In solidarity with Uduak Adams and her family during this harrowing time, it is incumbent upon all of us to unite in our condemnation of this senseless brutality and to offer unwavering support in the pursuit of justice for Uduak. We must recognise that incidents like these are not isolated events but indicative of a broader societal issue that demands our collective attention and action. We must reaffirm our commitment to a safe and just society where every individual is protected from harm, prejudice, and vigilantism.

Tobenna Erojikwe
Senior Partner, The Law Crest
Chairman, Governing Board of NBA-ICLE