In response to the nationwide protests, the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has launched a pro bono legal support service for protesters, recognizing the fundamental constitutional rights of citizens to assemble and protest.
The President of the NBA, Mr. Yakubu Chonoko Maikyau, OON, SAN, has instructed the Chairmen and Chairpersons of the 130 NBA branches to ensure that their Human Rights Committees address any observed or reported breaches of fundamental rights. This includes cases of harassment, intimidation, or torture by law enforcement agents, protesters, or other individuals during the protests.
In addition to this directive, NBA branches are to establish Situation Monitoring Committees (SMCs) to observe and report on interactions between law enforcement agents and protesters. An online Monitoring Form has been made available for this purpose, accessible at this link. Members of the SMC and other NBA members involved in monitoring are encouraged to complete and submit the form for the NBA’s records and further necessary actions.
To coordinate these efforts effectively, the NBA has formed Legal Support Services Teams across the country. These teams are headed by the 1st Vice President of the NBA, Mrs. Linda Rose Bala; the Chairman of NBA-SPIDEL, Sir Steve Adehi, SAN; and the Chairman of the NBA Human Rights Institute, Mr. Chinonye Obiagwu, SAN. Additionally, the NBA President has reached out to the Inspector General of Police to seek collaboration in this initiative.
As the protests begin today, August 1, 2024, the NBA encourages all citizens, including its members who are participating, to exercise their rights peacefully and within the legal framework. The NBA also urges security agencies to act professionally and uphold human rights while enforcing the law.
This move by the NBA aims to ensure that the rights of protesters are protected and that any violations are promptly addressed, promoting a peaceful and lawful exercise of the right to protest.
