Thursday, October 9, 2025 - 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.
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