The Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN), Anambra State Branch, has condemned the alleged harassment, intimidation and assault of court bailiffs by police officers attached to the B Division of the Nigeria Police Force in Awka, calling for an immediate investigation and disciplinary action against those involved.
The union accused the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of B Division, Awka, CSP Stephen Okwundu, and his men of obstructing court officials from executing a valid court judgment and using force against one of the bailiffs.
In a statement signed by its Anambra State Branch Chairman, Comrade Henry Ifeanyichukwu Ezeoke, JUSUN described the incident as horrifying, embarrassing and unbecoming of a police officer of the DPO’s rank.
The union’s Assistant Secretary, Comrade Ugochukwu Nwezi, also called for an immediate investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident and urged the authorities to ensure that anyone found culpable was brought to book.
The petition, titled “Allegation of Abuse of Office, Assault, Intimidation, Harassment and Act of Hooliganism Against Court Bailiffs in Awka, Anambra State by the Divisional Police Officer in Charge of B Division, Awka, CSP Stephen Okwundu, and His Officers,” described the incident as alleged unprofessional conduct and a disregard for judicial authority and the rule of law.
According to the statement, the union was reacting to a video circulating online which allegedly showed a court bailiff being harassed, intimidated and assaulted while performing his official duties.
JUSUN said the incident reportedly occurred on Wednesday, October 7, 2026, between court bailiffs attached to the Chief Magistrate’s Court, Awka, and police officers from B Division.
The statement quoted the Chief Bailiff of the Chief Magistrate’s Court, Awka, Mr Nweje Francis, as saying that the bailiffs were at the location to execute a court judgment in Suit No. MAW/15/2025, backed by a warrant duly issued and signed by a court of competent jurisdiction.
According to the account presented to the union, CSP Okwundu initially arrived at the scene alone and allegedly attempted to stop the court officials from carrying out the execution despite being shown their identification and the court order.
The statement further alleged that when the DPO could not halt the exercise, he blocked the entrance to the property with his official vehicle and called other officers for reinforcement.
JUSUN claimed that upon their arrival, the police officers ordered the bailiffs to discontinue the execution and accompany them to B Division. The bailiffs reportedly refused, insisting that they were performing lawful official duties.
The union alleged that the officers subsequently resorted to force, dragging one of the bailiffs and attempting to compel him to enter the DPO’s vehicle.
According to JUSUN, the affected bailiff sustained minor injuries and had his clothes torn during the encounter, as allegedly shown in the circulating video.
Describing the incident as an alleged attack on the administration of justice, the union argued that court officials executing valid judicial orders should be allowed to perform their duties without unlawful interference.
It maintained that the judiciary and the police were partners in the administration of justice and that the execution of valid court orders, warrants and writs should not be subjected to the discretion of an individual police officer, except where the terms of the relevant process provide for police involvement.
JUSUN also cited Section 6(6)(b) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as amended, which provides for the exercise of judicial powers by the courts in matters concerning the civil rights and obligations of persons.
The union questioned why officers entrusted with enforcing the law would allegedly frustrate the execution of a subsisting court order, stressing that an attack on judicial personnel performing their official duties undermines the administration of justice.
Consequently, JUSUN called on the Anambra State Commissioner of Police, CP Nnanna Oji Ama, to initiate an immediate and thorough investigation into the incident and take appropriate disciplinary action against any officer found culpable.
The union also demanded full protection for court bailiffs and other judiciary staff carrying out lawful assignments, urging police personnel to refrain from interfering unlawfully with the execution of valid court processes.
It further called on the DPO and the officers involved to tender an unreserved apology to the Anambra State Judiciary and the affected court officials.
JUSUN said such steps were necessary to strengthen institutional cooperation between the judiciary and the police, prevent a recurrence and reinforce respect for judicial authority.
The union warned against further intimidation, harassment or bullying of judicial personnel and urged all relevant institutions to respect and obey court orders in the interest of the rule of law.
It reiterated that court officials should be regarded as partners in the administration of justice and not as individuals undertaking private assignments.
The union questioned why officers entrusted with enforcing the law would allegedly frustrate the execution of a subsisting court order, stressing that an attack on judicial personnel performing their official duties undermines the administration of justice.
Consequently, JUSUN called on the Anambra State Commissioner of Police, CP Nnanna Oji Ama, to initiate an immediate and thorough investigation into the incident and take appropriate disciplinary action against any officer found culpable.
The union also demanded full protection for court bailiffs and other judiciary staff carrying out lawful assignments, urging police personnel to refrain from interfering unlawfully with the execution of valid court processes.
It further called on the DPO and the officers involved to tender an unreserved apology to the Anambra State Judiciary and the affected court officials.
JUSUN said such steps were necessary to strengthen institutional cooperation between the judiciary and the police, prevent a recurrence and reinforce respect for judicial authority.
The union warned against further intimidation, harassment or bullying of judicial personnel and urged all relevant institutions to respect and obey court orders in the interest of the rule of law.
It reiterated that court officials should be regarded as partners in the administration of justice and not as individuals undertaking private assignments.
