Drama at Lagos High Court as lawyer allegedly assaults judicial officer

Tension erupted on the premises of the Lagos State High Court after a lawyer, Obinna Okereke, Principal Partner of High Refuge Attorneys, allegedly assaulted a judicial officer, Temilola Ossai, following a minor collision with his vehicle.

The incident occurred near the court’s entrance when Okereke, who was driving a champagne gold-coloured Toyota Sienna, reportedly brushed Ossai, a staff member of the Lagos State Judiciary, as she walked along the roadside.

Witnesses said Ossai approached the lawyer, demanding an apology for the incident.

However, instead of expressing remorse, Okereke allegedly flew into a rage, hurled verbal insults at her, and then physically attacked her, landing several blows to her face.

The assault reportedly caused severe bleeding from her nose and mouth, prompting shocked bystanders and court users to intervene.

Security personnel attached to the Lagos State Judiciary swiftly arrived at the scene and arrested the lawyer to prevent further escalation.

An eyewitness, who spoke on condition of anonymity, recounted: “The lady only asked him to apologise after the vehicle hit her. Suddenly, he got angry and started shouting. Before anyone could react, he punched her repeatedly in the face. It was shocking, blood was coming out of her nose and mouth.”

The altercation caused panic and briefly disrupted court activities as staff and security officials gathered at the scene in disbelief.

Sources within the judiciary revealed that the Chief Registrar of the Lagos State Judiciary ordered that a formal complaint be filed at the Area F Command of the Nigeria Police for investigation and possible prosecution of the lawyer.

Efforts to get Okereke’s reaction were unsuccessful at press time.

Ossai was said to have received immediate first aid treatment following the assault.