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JUSUN Raises Alarm as Anambra DPO Allegedly Stops Bailiffs from Executing Court Judgment, Demands Probe
By Felix Oti | Awka
The Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN), Anambra State Branch, has called for an immediate investigation into the alleged harassment, intimidation and assault of court bailiffs by officers of the Nigeria Police Force attached to B Division, Awka, during the execution of a court judgment.
The union accused the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of B Division, Awka, CSP Stephen Okwundu, and his men of allegedly obstructing court officials who were executing a judgment in Suit No. MAW/15/2025.
In a statement jointly signed by the JUSUN Anambra State Chairman, Comrade Henry Ifeanyichukwu Ezeoke (KSM), and the Assistant Secretary, Comrade Ugochukwu Nwezi, the union described the incident as disturbing and called on the Anambra State Commissioner of Police, CP Nana Oji Ama, to investigate the matter and ensure accountability.
The statement, titled “Allegation of Abuse of Office, Assault, Intimidation, Harassment and Act of Hooliganism Against Court Bailiffs in Awka, Anambra State,” said the incident reportedly occurred on Wednesday, October 7, 2026, involving court bailiffs attached to the Chief Magistrate’s Court, Awka, and police officers from B Division.
According to the union, the bailiffs were at the scene to execute a court judgment backed by a warrant duly issued and signed by a court of competent jurisdiction.
“The Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria, JUSUN, Anambra State Branch, is worried by a disturbing video trending online, wherein a court bailiff was ruthlessly harassed, intimidated, assaulted and prevented from carrying out his official and lawful duties,” the statement read.
The union said the Chief Bailiff of the Chief Magistrate’s Court, Awka, Mr. Nweje Francis, brought the incident to its attention and provided an account of what allegedly transpired.
According to the account cited by JUSUN, CSP Okwundu initially arrived at the scene and allegedly attempted to stop the bailiffs from carrying out the execution. When he reportedly failed to halt the exercise, the DPO allegedly blocked the entrance to the property with his official vehicle and called other officers for reinforcement.
The statement further alleged that the arriving police officers ordered the bailiffs to discontinue their assignment and accompany them to B Division.
However, the bailiffs reportedly insisted that they were performing an official duty backed by a valid court order and declined to follow the officers.
JUSUN alleged that the confrontation subsequently escalated, with police officers allegedly attempting to force one of the bailiffs into the DPO’s vehicle.
“The police team, instead, descended so low; they became unprofessional, violent and reckless, and resorted to unwarranted harassment, intimidation and assault, while dragging and forcing one of the court bailiffs to enter the DPO’s vehicle,” the statement alleged.
The union further claimed that the affected bailiff sustained minor injuries and had his clothes torn during the incident, as purportedly shown in a video circulating online.
JUSUN condemned the alleged conduct, arguing that judicial officers carrying out lawful assignments should not be subjected to intimidation or prevented from performing their duties without proper legal justification.
“It is indeed very shocking that a DPO of the rank of Chief Superintendent of Police could act recklessly and unprofessionally, even after valid means of identification of the court officials were presented to him,” the union stated.
JUSUN Cites Constitutional Authority of Courts
The union maintained that the alleged interference raised serious concerns about respect for judicial authority and the administration of justice.
It cited Section 6(6)(b) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, as amended, which provides for the exercise of judicial powers by the courts in matters concerning the civil rights and obligations of persons.
According to JUSUN, court bailiffs executing valid court processes are performing official judicial functions and should not be treated as private individuals undertaking personal assignments.
“The court and the police are partners in the administration of justice. Execution of valid court orders, warrants or writs of execution by court officials should not be subject to the discretion, behest or whims and caprices of a DPO,” the statement added.
The union questioned why the police officers allegedly attempted to stop the execution despite the presentation of the court documents and identification of the bailiffs.
It warned that any alleged attack on judicial personnel carrying out official assignments could undermine public confidence in the justice system and weaken cooperation between the judiciary and law enforcement agencies.
Union Demands Probe, Disciplinary Action
JUSUN called on the Anambra State Commissioner of Police, CP Nana Oji Ama, to initiate an immediate and thorough investigation into the incident and take appropriate disciplinary action against any officers found culpable.
The union also demanded an explanation for the alleged conduct of the DPO and the officers involved, insisting that the circumstances surrounding the confrontation must be fully established.
“The JUSUN, Anambra State Branch, hereby calls on the Commissioner of Police, Anambra State Police Command, CP Nana Oji Ama, to take immediate steps towards carrying out disciplinary actions against the DPO and his officers, to serve as a deterrent to others who may wish to obstruct the administration of justice,” the statement said.
Beyond the investigation, the union demanded adequate protection for court bailiffs and other judiciary staff performing lawful assignments.
It also called on the officers allegedly involved to tender an unreserved apology to the Anambra State Judiciary and the affected court officials.
JUSUN further urged the police to refrain from any unlawful interference with the execution of valid court processes and to promote stronger institutional cooperation with the judiciary.
JUSUN Warns Against Further Harassment of Court Officials
The union reiterated its opposition to any form of intimidation, harassment or assault against judicial personnel performing their official duties.
It stressed that respect for court orders and judicial institutions remained fundamental to the rule of law and the effective administration of justice.
“The police institution must see court officials as partners in the administration of justice,” the statement concluded.
As of the time of this report, the allegations and demands were those presented by JUSUN in its statement. A response from CSP Stephen Okwundu and the Anambra State Police Command was not included in the information available for this report.
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