Under the leadership of Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN, the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has steadfastly delivered its core mandates, including protecting citizens’ rights and promoting justice. One significant achievement during this administration was the intervention of the NBA Citizens’ Liberties Committee (CLC) in securing the release of six minors who had been in detention for 100 days.
These minors, who were among eleven defendants arraigned before Hon. Justice A. M. Dume of the High Court No. 10 in Borno State (Maiduguri), had been incarcerated under the case BOHC/MG/CV/217/2024.
The NBA CLC, under Chairman Nuhu Egya’s leadership and Daniel Kip’s support, successfully applied for their release. The defence presented their birth certificates to establish their status as minors despite the prosecution’s opposition.
Justice Served: Six Detained Minors Reunite with Families Through NBA Intervention
As a result, the six minors—Halle Dahiru, Bashir Ahmad, Sadiq Abubakar, Musa Lawan, Abubakar Tijjani, and Mohammed Abubakar—were released to their parents.
This victory was achieved through a collaborative effort involving the NBA CLC, Hope Behind Bars Africa, lawyers from Borno State, and other NBA members. Prior to the court proceedings, advocacy letters urging justice were sent to key stakeholders, including the Attorney General. As a result, the minors were reunited with their families, leaving the court with smiles.
While the remaining defendants’ cases were adjourned to December 3, 2024, for further hearings, this intervention highlights the NBA’s commitment to advocating for justice, particularly for vulnerable individuals such as minors.
