Response from the NBA Litigation Committee
The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Litigation Committee has formally responded to the news published by LegalLinkz regarding the illegal detention of Port Harcourt-based lawyer, Kevin Okorie, and two others by the Nigerian Navy.
The NBA has condemned the Navy’s actions as a gross violation of the rule of law and fundamental human rights, demanding the immediate release of the detained individuals or their arraignment in court without further delay.
Initial Investigations by the NBA
Following the publication of the report, the NBA Litigation Committee, under the leadership of its Chairman, Ama Etuwewe SAN, and Secretary, Barr. Isah Abubakar Aliyu, reached out to Mrs. Esther Okorie, the wife of the detained lawyer, to gather firsthand information on the case.
Preliminary findings confirmed that Okorie was last seen on September 10, 2024, when he responded to a call from two fellow supporters of the Nigerian Coast Guard Bill, Jeffrey Agogoh and Udo. The trio was allegedly lured to the Nigerian Navy’s Iwofe Aker Base in Port Harcourt under the guise of a meeting.
Mrs. Okorie narrated how the Navy initially denied having her husband in custody, only to later admit that he had been transferred to the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) in Abuja. Despite repeated attempts by family members and lawyers to ascertain his exact location or charges, the Navy has refused to provide any meaningful information.
NBA’s Position
The NBA Litigation Committee has described the actions of the Nigerian Navy as “both condemnable and unacceptable,” emphasizing that even if Okorie had committed a crime, he should be charged to court in accordance with the law rather than being subjected to indefinite detention.
“No matter the alleged offense, Mr. Okorie and the other detainees deserve their day in court. This detention is a direct affront to the principles of justice and a clear abuse of power,” said the Committee in its statement.
The Committee has written to the Nigerian Navy and the Nigerian Police Force, demanding Okorie’s unconditional release or his formal arraignment in court.
NBA’s Next Steps
If the Nigerian Navy fails to comply, the NBA Litigation Committee has vowed to escalate the matter by approaching the courts to protect the rights of the detained lawyer and his colleagues.
“The NBA, under the administration of Mazi Afam Osigwe SAN, will not tolerate the maltreatment of legal practitioners by law enforcement agencies. We remain committed to defending the rights of our members and upholding the rule of law,” the statement added.
Call to Action
The NBA Litigation Committee has urged all stakeholders, including human rights organizations and the general public, to join in demanding accountability from the Nigerian Navy and the immediate release of the detained individuals.
The NBA also reiterated its commitment to holding security agencies accountable for any acts that contravene constitutional rights, ensuring that no citizen, especially a legal practitioner, is subjected to illegal detention or harassment.
This matter highlights the growing concerns over the misuse of power by Nigerian security agencies and underscores the NBA’s resolve to fight for justice and the rule of law in the country.
Signed:
Barr. Isah Abubakar Aliyu, Secretary
Ama Etuwewe SAN, Chairman,
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