Gunmen on Thursday murdered the Chairman of Ejemekwuru Customary Court in the Oguta Local Government Area of Imo State, Nnaemeka Ugboma.

Ugboma was killed by gunmen who came on motorcycles while presiding over a court session.

The incident brought to an abrupt end the court session for the day as lawyers, court staff and litigants fled.

It was gathered that the killing of Ugboma who hailed from Nnebukwu community in the Oguta LGA caused panic in Ejemekwuru community as natives and residents fled their homes.

One of the sources said, “He was killed in court during a session. His killers rode motorcycles. They came into the court, dragged him out and shot him dead and drove off. His corpse lay on the ground as people in court fled. The whole thing is confusing because nobody knew any reason while they killed him. He was from Nnebukwu community in Oguta LGA.’’

Contacted, Chairman, Owerri branch of the Nigerian Bar Association, Ugochukwu Allinor, who confirmed the killing, said that the branch would communicate to the public regarding the incident.

Speaking in an interview with press on Friday, the state police spokesperson, Henry Okoye, confirmed the report.

He said, “On Thursday, February 2, 2023 at about 1245hrs, five armed gunmen stormed Ejemekuru Customary Court in the Oguta LGA of Imo State, shot the court President, Nnemeka Ugboma ‘m’ from Oguta LGA and dumped his corpse at the back of the court building. The corpse has been recovered and deposited at the mortuary.

“Investigation is ongoing. Tactical teams have been deployed to the area to track down the assailants, apprehend them and bring them to face the full wrath of the Law. Further development will be communicated to members of the public.”