NBA President Afam Osigwe, SAN, Advocates for Human Rights and Justice Amid Controversial Arraignment of Minors
Since assuming office as the 32nd President of the Nigerian Bar Association, Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN, has consistently championed human rights, emphasizing judicial integrity and legal reform within Nigeria’s justice system.
His tenure has been marked by vocal advocacy against violations of fundamental rights, and he has been a driving force behind improving correctional facility standards and safeguarding the welfare of detainees.
Osigwe’s leadership, driven by a commitment to transparency and access to justice, is widely recognized across Nigeria’s legal landscape, as he calls for accountability from law enforcement agencies and better protection for marginalized individuals.
In a recent case that underscores his human rights advocacy, Osigwe condemned the inhumane treatment of 32 minors, part of a larger group of 76 defendants detained following the August 2024 #EndBadGovernance protests.
Speaking with Saturday PUNCH, Osigwe expressed grave concerns over the minors’ prolonged detention and malnourished condition, noting that such treatment damages Nigeria’s global reputation and undermines the credibility of the nation’s correctional system. He urged authorities to either release the minors to reunite with their families or transfer them closer to home to facilitate family support and legal representation.
Osigwe’s swift response reflects his dedication to a fair judicial process and his broader goals as NBA President. Under his watch, the NBA continues to be a vocal proponent of upholding human rights and strengthening Nigeria’s justice system, ensuring it serves and protects all citizens, especially vulnerable groups such as children caught up in the criminal justice system.
