“Assault In The Line Of Duty” — Court Remands Four For Attacking Abuja Lawyer Serving Demand Letter At Market

Abuja Magistrate Court has remanded four individuals who allegedly assaulted lawyer Boluwaji Ajiki while he was performing professional duties at Iyemi Plaza, Gudu, Abuja.

The four defendants—Jacob Fidelis, Sharon Alexandra Chidera, Itoro Dominic Robert, and Williams Raymond—were arraigned on Wednesday before Magistrate Emmanuel Iyanna at Court 1, Wuse Zone 6, Abuja.

The accused persons are facing a comprehensive five-count charge under various sections of the Penal Code, including:

All four defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges when they appeared before the court.

Their lead counsel, Emmanuel Chui Esq., applied for bail on behalf of his clients, but the prosecution counsel, Abah Donatus Esq., vehemently opposed the bail application.

Magistrate Iyanna has adjourned the case to July 7, 2025, for a ruling on the bail application.

The case stems from an incident that occurred on Tuesday, June 17, 2025, between 12:00 pm and 3:00 pm at Gudu Market Junction, Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), in the Federal Capital Territory.

According to the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Gwagwalada Branch, Mr. Boluwaji was carrying out his professional duty by serving a client’s demand letter at Suite B18–B19, 2nd Floor, Iyemi Plaza, Gudu Junction, when he was allegedly unlawfully detained, harassed, and physically assaulted.

The lawyer’s phone was reportedly seized, and he was prevented from making any calls for help until police officers on routine patrol arrived and rescued him.

The NBA Gwagwalada Branch has strongly condemned what it described as a “brutal assault and unlawful detention” of one of its members, allegedly at the instigation of Williams Raymond, one of the defendants.

Chairman of the NBA Gwagwalada Branch, Owhor Clever, Esq., described the attack as “a gross violation of Mr. Boluwaji’s fundamental rights and a direct assault on the legal profession.”

“The NBA Gwagwalada Branch will ensure that justice is served and that such barbaric acts do not go unpunished. No legal practitioner should be subjected to harassment, intimidation, or violence in the course of performing professional duties,” Clever stated.

In a statement signed by the Branch Secretary, John Oluwasina Adewakun, Esq., the NBA confirmed that the assailants involved in the incident were arrested and are now facing prosecution.

The association has assured members and the public that it is monitoring the case closely to ensure that justice is served and that Mr. Boluwaji’s rights are fully protected.

NBA Gwagwalada Branch leaders had earlier visited the Apo Police Station and met with the Divisional Crime Officer (DCO) to follow up on the case.

Mr. Boluwaji, who was released on the day of the attack, continues to receive support from the legal community, while the NBA presses for full accountability and legal redress..