The Nigeria Bar Association (NBA) has announced the launch of free legal services for #EndBadGovernance protesters who do not have legal representation.
NBA President, Afam Osigwe, revealed that state chapters of the NBA have been instructed to attend court proceedings nationwide to monitor cases involving the hunger protesters.
In a statement released on Wednesday morning via his X handle, Osigwe also disclosed that the NBA’s Citizens’ Liberties Committee, led by human rights lawyer Effiong Inibehe, will collaborate with Chairmen and Human Rights Committees of NBA branches across the country. This initiative aims to ensure that no defendant faces injustice during legal proceedings.
This development comes in the wake of the federal government’s decision to charge over 100 peaceful protesters with treason, a move that has drawn significant criticism. According to Amnesty International, the treason charges against the hunger protesters are an attempt to stifle the constitutional right to peaceful protest.
Osigwe’s statement read: “I have directed the branches of the Nigerian Bar Association to monitor the trials of the #EndBadGovernance protesters. Additionally, I have launched a Pro Bono support initiative for protesters who lack legal representation.
“The Nigerian Bar Association Citizens’ Liberties Committee (NBA-CLC) has been tasked with liaising closely with the Chairmen and Human Rights Committees of NBA branches in regions where protesters are currently being prosecuted. This ensures that no defendant suffers injustice.
“The NBA legal team will continue to monitor court proceedings to ensure that trials are conducted with strict adherence to due process, safeguarding the legal rights of all defendants. The Nigerian Bar Association legal teams are in courts and will continue to monitor proceedings to ensure that the rule of law is upheld, the human rights of defendants are protected, and justice is served.”
