At the International Human Rights Day celebration organized by the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Human Rights Institute today, the President of the NBA, Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN, delivered a powerful speech emphasizing the critical importance of safeguarding human rights across Nigeria.
In his address, the President highlighted the growing concerns surrounding human rights violations and called for decisive action by various stakeholders to address these issues.
He underscored the troubling practice of magistrates making remand orders without charges being filed against individuals, describing it as a significant contributor to prolonged and unlawful detention. He urged magistrates to strictly adhere to the law and ensure that no remand orders are made in the absence of properly filed charges.
He further called on Chief Judges across the country to ensure that magistrates and judges periodically visit detention facilities. This, he noted, is in line with statutory provisions and critical to decongesting detention centers, where countless individuals are held under inhumane conditions, often for minor or nonexistent offenses.
Recognizing the role of the NBA Human Rights Institute, the President explained that the institute serves as a platform for NBA branches to address human rights issues swiftly and effectively. He encouraged all NBA branches to utilize this platform in addressing human rights violations and ensuring justice is served.
The President also advocated for a stronger working relationship between security agencies and the NBA to address the alarming incidence of human rights abuses by some security personnel. He emphasized the importance of collaboration, mutual respect, and dialogue to protect citizens’ rights while maintaining public safety.
Reflecting on the theme of the day, “Our Rights, Our Future, Right Now: All Humans Are Born Free and Equal in Dignity and Rights,” Mazi Afam Osigwe reaffirmed the association’s commitment to promoting human rights and strengthening the rule of law in Nigeria. He urged all stakeholders to join hands in building a society where the dignity of every individual is respected and upheld.
Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN
NBA President
