Here’s the press release version in a fully official toneThe Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) strongly condemns the brutal assault on Ms. Jennifer Elobor, a National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member serving in Anambra State.
The incident, which left her beaten and stripped of her clothing, is nothing short of degrading, inhumane, and a gross violation of her dignity and fundamental human rights as guaranteed by the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Nobody, whether suspected of an offence or entirely innocent, deserves to be subjected to such barbaric treatment.
While security agencies are vested with the mandate to apprehend criminals and maintain law and order, such powers must never be exercised in a manner that tramples on the rights of citizens.
Even where an arrest is necessary, the law provides clear procedures to safeguard the dignity of the individual. The conduct displayed in the viral video, a young corps member brutalized and stripped is a complete negation of those safeguards and an affront to human decency.
The NBA commends the Anambra State Government for its swift action in identifying and arresting the operatives responsible.
This prompt intervention reflects commendable responsiveness to public outrage. However, accountability must not end with arrest.
The perpetrators must be diligently prosecuted in accordance with the law. Justice must not only be done but must be seen to be done, to serve as redress for Ms. Elobor and as deterrence against similar abuses in the future.
This incident underscores the urgent need for comprehensive training, reorientation, and continuous capacity-building of security operatives. Respect for human rights, professionalism, and restraint must be embedded in their conduct at all times.
The Anambra State Government must also ensure mechanisms are established to prevent a recurrence and to restore public confidence that security agents remain protectors, not violators, of citizens’ rights.
Accordingly, the NBA has directed its branches in Anambra State and the National Litigation Committee to closely monitor this matter to ensure justice is served.
The Nigerian Bar Association reaffirms its commitment to defending the rule of law, safeguarding human dignity, and ensuring justice for Ms. Elobor.
Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN
President, Nigerian Bar Association
Dr. Mobolaji Ojibara
General Secretary, Nigerian Bar Association
