Legal and human rights advocate, Chief Malcolm Emokiniovo Omirhobo, has condemned the brutal assassination of Justice Ifeoma Okogwu (Rtd.), describing it as a direct attack on Nigeria’s judiciary and a serious threat to national security.
Omirhobo characterized the killing, carried out with “precision” and “brazen impunity,” as part of a disturbing trend in which criminal elements no longer fear the law or its institutions. “If a retired judge can be targeted so easily, then no one is safe,” he warned. He also expressed frustration over the routine, often vague responses issued by security agencies following such incidents, stressing that Justice Okogwu’s murder demands an extraordinary and coordinated national response.
The advocate outlined several urgent measures for government and security agencies, including the constitution of a high-powered investigative panel comprising the DSS, forensic experts, intelligence officers, and homicide specialists; the swift arrest and prosecution of the perpetrators; and enhanced security for serving and retired judges. He further called on judicial bodies such as the National Judicial Council (NJC) and Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) to issue a collective condemnation and demanded transparent, regular updates from security agencies to reassure the public.
Describing Justice Okogwu as a dedicated jurist who served Nigeria with distinction, Omirhobo insisted that her death must not become “another unresolved national tragedy.” He concluded with a stark warning that Nigeria is already “bleeding from insecurity,” and failing to address the murder of a judicial officer would deepen the crisis and accelerate national decline.
Authorities have yet to provide a detailed update on the investigation.