NBA president Osigwe condemns police assault on lawyer

In a significant development, the President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN, welcomed members of the National Litigation Committee to the NBA House on Tuesday, December 7.

The meeting highlighted the Association’s ongoing efforts to protect the rights of lawyers nationwide and reinforced its commitment to upholding justice and the rule of law.

During the briefing, the Committee provided updates on their recent activities, including a pivotal legal action initiated against the Nigerian Police.

This case, filed at the Federal High Court, seeks justice for Mr. Ernest Chukwuemeka Okpaga, a lawyer who was unlawfully detained and assaulted by officers of the Nigerian Police Force at the National Cyber Crime Centre in Abuja.

Condemning the incident, Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN, reaffirmed the NBA’s resolve to ensure accountability in this matter.

“An attack on one lawyer is an attack on the entire legal community,” he stated, emphasizing the Association’s unwavering stance against any form of injustice or violation of rights.

The NBA President lauded the National Litigation Committee for their diligence, professionalism, and proactive measures in addressing critical issues affecting the legal profession.

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Their efforts, he noted, reflect the strength and integrity of the NBA in advocating for its members and safeguarding the principles of justice.

The meeting also explored strategies to prevent future violations against lawyers and enhance the protection of their rights. “The NBA remains steadfast in its mission to defend the rule of law, protect its members, and ensure justice for all Nigerians,” Mazi Osigwe reiterated.

The case of Mr. Okpaga has brought renewed focus on the treatment of legal professionals in Nigeria and underscores the importance of institutional accountability.

The NBA’s commitment to pursuing justice in this matter serves as a reminder of the Association’s pivotal role in upholding the sanctity of the legal profession and protecting the rights of its members.