NBA President Leads Delegation to Defense HQ, Seeks End to Lawyer’s Detention, Extortion at Military Checkpoints
The President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN, led a high-powered delegation on a courtesy visit to the Defense Headquarters, where they were warmly received by the Chief of Defense Staff, General C.G. Musa.
Accompanying the NBA President were Dr. Mobolaji Ojibara, General Secretary; Henry Barnabas Ehi, Assistant General Secretary; Auta Nyada, Welfare Secretary; Ama Etuwewe, Chairman of the NBA Litigation Committee; Vincent Otaokpukpu, 2nd Alternate Chairman; Aliyu Nasarawa, Chairman of the Northern Zone; Isah Abubakar Aliyu, Secretary; B.O. Nafagha, Member; Wanche Christian Magani, Member; Clever Owhor, Member; and Elijah Israel, Member.
During the meeting, Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN, expressed gratitude to the Chief of Defense Staff for hosting the delegation. He used the opportunity to highlight key issues affecting the legal profession and the wider community.
Among the pressing concerns raised was the case of Okorie Kevin, a lawyer who was reportedly detained by the Navy for over 120 days without proper documentation or explanation. The NBA President expressed deep dissatisfaction over this violation of due process and urged immediate action to address the matter.
Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN, also brought attention to reports of military checkpoints being used as avenues for extortion by some unscrupulous personnel. Additionally, he criticized the practice of collective punishment in communities experiencing crises involving the military, urging the Defense Headquarters to adopt a targeted approach to ensure innocent civilians are not harmed. He further emphasized the importance of fostering a collaborative relationship between the NBA and the military to ensure justice, accountability, and respect for human rights.
