The National Litigation Committee of the Nigerian Bar Association has formally protested the unlawful detention, assault, and violation of the rights of Barrister Ernest Chukwuemeka Okpaga, a legal practitioner, by officers of the Nigeria Police National Cyber Crime Center, Abuja.
The Committee has sent a letter to the Inspector General of Police outlining the grievous actions taken against Okpaga during the course of his professional duties.
According to the letter, Barrister Okpaga was representing a client, Abiodun Thomas, who had been detained by the police for over seven days.
His attempts to secure her release on bail were unsuccessful, leading him to the Cyber Crime Center on December 19, 2024, to meet with the Investigating Police Officer (IPO) regarding her case. After discussions, he learned his client would not be granted bail despite her charges being bailable.
The situation escalated when Okpaga was asked to return to the office where his client had written her statement, only to discover that she had collapsed shortly after he left. He advised immediate medical attention due to her known underlying health issues.
However, upon leaving the facility, he was reportedly instructed by an Assistant Director Administration to remain detained until his client regained consciousness. The letter states that during this detention, Okpaga was subjected to severe physical abuse and humiliation by police officers, sustaining bruises and injuries.
The Committee emphatically condemned the police’s actions, asserting that they represent a violation of the fundamental rights of lawyers, as recognized by both the Nigerian Constitution and international standards enshrined in the United Nations Basic Principles on the Role of Lawyers.
In their correspondence, the Committee emphasized the negative impact these actions have on public perception of the police, especially as the force is striving to regain public trust amid numerous allegations of misconduct.
The letter urged a thorough, impartial investigation into the incident, calling for appropriate disciplinary measures against the officers involved.
The National Litigation Committee has expressed readiness to cooperate fully with any investigations, and they intend to involve the Police Service Commission and other oversight institutions, possibly seeking legal action to prevent similar future incidents.
The protest highlights the critical role of legal practitioners in upholding justice and the urgent need to safeguard their rights in the discharge of their professional duties.
As the public awaits the police’s response, the advocacy for legal rights and ethical conduct within law enforcement continues to gain momentum.
For further inquiries, you may contact:
Isah Abubakar Aliyu, Secretary
Ama Etuwewe, SAN, Chairman