Mary Akanbi
8th January, 2025
In a landmark legal battle, the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), through its Litigation Committee, has filed legal actions against the Nigerian Police Force over the unlawful detention of a lawyer, Ernest Okpaga, Esq. The NBA is seeking justice for the infringement of fundamental rights and aims to ensure the enforcement of due process.
The case, filed at the Federal High Court of Justice, highlights the growing concerns over the abuse of power by law enforcement agencies. The NBA contends that the arrest and detention of the lawyer violated constitutional rights to personal liberty and fair treatment.
In the filed processes, the NBA Litigation Committee presented detailed evidence alleging that the lawyer was detained without justification and subjected to unwarranted hardship. The case has sparked widespread attention, with legal practitioners and human rights advocates commending the NBA’s proactive stance in defending the rule of law and the rights of its members.
The Secretary of the NBA Litigation Committee, Mr. Isah Aliyu remarked, “This case is not just about one individual; it is about ensuring that no lawyer—or indeed any citizen—is subjected to unlawful detention or abuse of power by the police.”
The Nigerian Police Force has yet to issue an official response to the allegations. The outcome of this case could set a significant precedent in safeguarding the rights of legal professionals and the broader Nigerian populace.