Friends And Colleagues Mourn As Gunmen Kill Imo Lawyer, Police Begin Investigation

Chinedu Nwowu, an Imo State-based lawyer, was sh0t de@d by unknown gunmen in Mgbidi, the Oru West Local Government Area of the state.

Nwowu was driving along the Mgbidi highway around 7pm on Wednesday, Jan. 22, when his vehicle was intercepted by the gunmen.

One source said, “We just saw a car overtake the man’s car dangerously, and right before our eyes, the boys carrying guns jumped out and stopped the man’s car.

“The gunmen dragged him out of the car and shot him many times. Then they entered their car and drove off. We were lying on the floor for fear of our lives and watching helplessly.

“The incident did not last up to five minutes to enable people to rally help from the security operatives.”

The source further revealed, “People later came out and rushed him to a nearby hospital, but he was pronounced dead on arrival.”

The spokesperson for the Imo State Police Command, Henry Okoye, confirmed on Thursday, Jan. 23, and assured that the perpetrators will be caught.

Meanwhile, courts in Mgbidi, Oguta and Omumma areas of Imo state will not sit today, Thursday, Jan 23, due to the incident.

The Orlu Branch of the Nigeria Bar Association, the branch the deceased belonged to, also announced an emergency meeting of the members following the killing of the lawyer.

A memo issued by Chukwuemeka Okoro, read "Following the gruesome  murder of one of us, CHINEDU NWOWU last night in his town, Mgbidi, all lawyers of Oru/Oguta Forum are hereby notified of a crucial emergency meeting this morning by 10am at the High Court, Mgbidi."

The Mgbidi, Oguta and Omumma High Courts will not sit today. Please, be punctual."

Friends have gone on Facebook to mourn the slain lawyer.