It is with deep sadness that I acknowledge the tragic and untimely death of Jeremiah J. Chukwu, Esq., who, until his death on Saturday, was a dedicated young lawyer and an esteemed member of the NBA Sagbama Branch, practicing in the law firm of Ace & Ark LLP.

Jeremiah was an active member of the Bar and served diligently as the Welfare Secretary in the immediate past executive of the Young Lawyers Forum, NBA Sagbama Branch. His commitment to the welfare and development of young lawyers in the branch was exemplary, and his loss leaves a significant void in our community.

While the exact circumstances leading to his death are still unclear, it is alleged that Jeremiah died as a result of a brutal assault by his neighbors over yet-to-be-substantiated allegations. I have been informed that two of the three suspected assailants have been arrested by the police and are currently in custody. It is also noteworthy that the NBA Sagbama Branch has visited the morgue to confirm this heartbreaking incident, written a petition to the Commissioner of Police, and is taking steps to ensure that the matter is dealt with seriously.

This is a truly grievous loss, and I strongly condemn this heinous act of violence. The legal community, and indeed all of society, cannot stand idly by in the face of such an atrocity. I stand in solidarity with the NBA Sagbama Branch in their quest for justice for our fallen colleague.

I call upon the Commissioner of Police, Bayelsa State Command, as well as the leadership of the Bar at both the state and national levels, to ensure that this matter is investigated thoroughly and that those responsible are brought to justice without delay. The memory of Jeremiah must not be tarnished by impunity, and we owe it to his family and the legal profession to see that justice is served swiftly and decisively.

Peres Agari, Esq.
Immediate Past Chairman of YLF NBA Sagbama branch