By Kamsi Anayo, Awka
Proceedings at a magistrate court sitting in Okpoko, Ogbaru Local Government Area near Onitsha, Anambra State, were forced to a halt as an Onitsha-based lawyer, Ogbachalu Abuchi Goshen, appeared in a matter dressed in full clerical robes of an ordained Reverend.
The court presided by Her Worship CB Mbaegbu was progressing smoothly until a matter was called up and Barr Abuchi announced his appearance as a defence counsel fully kitted in clerical robes, roman collar, long cross and a stole around his neck.
When the Magistrate said he cannot appear and address the court in that regalia, he objected citing the recent Supreme Court judgement that gave female students backing to wear hijab to public schools as his authority.
As the Magistrate stood her ground that he cannot appear in her court in that mode of dressing, Abuchi also insisted that it was his right and that the objection by the Magistrate was an infringement on his fundamental rights as enshrined in section 38 of the 1999 constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
As the arguments continued with both the Magistrate and the lawyer refusing to shift ground, the atmosphere in the court became charged and the Magistrate rose abruptly forcing the court to adjourn immediately before jumping into her car and driving away without returning.
