Lawyers Boycott Court in Osun over Alleged Judicial Abuse of Power

Proceedings were disrupted yesterday at a magistrate court sitting in
Ilesa, Osun State as lawyers boycotted and protested alleged abuse of
judicial power by the Magistrate of the court.

Our correspondent Isaac Hasstrup, who monitored the protest at
Magistrate Court 2 Ilesa reports that, those who had cases and other
businesses at the court returned home disappointed as the lawyers
refused to enter the court.

Speaking on the industrial action, the chairman, Ilesa branch of the
Nigeria Bar Association, NBA, Mr Femi Fafowora said, members shunned
the court after a deliberation on the alleged stray style of
magistrate of the court.

Mr Fafowora further cited alleged refusal of the affected magistrate
to grant accused persons bail without justification when such bail
applications were not opposed by the prosecution counsel.

The NBA chairman, who also protested purported molestation of the
members of his association during proceedings said, a letter had been
sent to the Chief Registrar, Osun State High Court for the transfer of
the magistrate out of Ijesaland.

The Chief Registrar, Justice Muhammed Lasisi told Radio Nigeria that
he was yet to receive the NBA’s letter.

Justice Lasisi promised to look into the matter and pleaded with the
lawyers to remain calm.