Five bailiffs of the Anambra State Judiciary have dragged the Police Service Commission (PSC) and the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of B-Division, Awka, CSP Stephen Okwundu, before the High Court over alleged assault while executing a court judgment.
The suit, filed at the High Court of Anambra State, Orumba South Judicial Division, holden at Umunze, is marked HOS/MISC 25/2026.
The applicants are Nweje Francis, Onwuasoanya Franklyn Ifeanyi, who is an Assistant Chief Bailiff, Okafor Ikenna Michael, Okeke Mmaduabuchi Leonard, and Umeh Chigozie Livinus. All are attached to the Chief Magistrate Court, Awka.
In their affidavit, the bailiffs said they were at a property behind the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) office, Okpuno, Awka, on October 7, 2026, to execute judgment in suit number MAW/15/2025.
They alleged that CSP Okwundu arrived at the scene in a police Hilux van and ordered them to stop work.
According to them, despite showing their official judiciary identity cards and a Warrant of Execution duly signed by a Magistrate, the DPO called for reinforcement.
The backup team, they claimed, beat them up, tore their clothes and attempted to snatch the execution warrant.
A video of the incident, recorded by a representative of the Judgment Creditor, later went viral on social media.
The Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN), Anambra State branch, described the DPO’s action as reckless and unprofessional, saying it was an attack on the independence of the judiciary.
The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) also faulted the police, insisting that law enforcement must operate within constitutional limits and respect court processes.
The Anambra State Police Command, in a brief reaction at the time, said it had commenced investigation into the matter and appealed for calm.
The bailiffs are now asking the court for four reliefs:
First, a declaration that the alleged beating and humiliation violated their fundamental rights to life and dignity of human person as guaranteed under Sections 33(1) and 34(1)(a) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
Second, an order of perpetual injunction restraining the Police Service Commission, the Inspector-General of Police, the Anambra State Commissioner of Police and CSP Okwundu from further harassing or intimidating them.
Third, an order compelling CSP Okwundu to publish an unreserved written apology in the Vanguard Newspaper and two other national dailies circulating in Anambra State.
And fourth, the sum of N500 million as general and exemplary damages for trauma, physical injury and violation of their constitutional rights.
The matter is yet to be assigned for hearing.
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