Celebrating Human Rights Globally
International Human Rights Day is observed annually on December 10th to commemorate the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 1948. This landmark document proclaims the inalienable rights to which every individual is entitled as a human being—regardless of race, religion, gender, or any other status.
For 2024, the NBA Barnawa Branch, Kaduna State, joined the global community in celebrating this day with a symposium focused on the theme: “Rights of Suspects & Defendants: Arrest, Bail, Plea Bargain, Trial, Conviction, and Sentencing.”
Keynote Speaker: Paul Harris Ogbole, SAN
The symposium featured Paul Harris Ogbole, SAN, as the keynote speaker. A renowned legal practitioner and Principal Partner at P.H. Ogbole, SAN & Co., Mr. Ogbole is celebrated for his vast expertise in constitutional law, criminal justice, and the defense of human rights.
His address delved into the intricate balance between enforcing the law and safeguarding the rights of suspects and defendants, providing a foundation for robust discussions.
Theme Analysis: Rights of Suspects and Defendants
The theme explored various stages of the criminal justice process—from arrest to sentencing—emphasizing the constitutional and statutory safeguards designed to protect individuals’ rights.
- Arrest and Detention
- The symposium highlighted the principle that arrests must be lawful, with individuals informed of their rights and the reasons for their detention.
- Discussants addressed the persistent issue of arbitrary arrests and prolonged detention without trial, urging adherence to due process.
- Bail Rights
- The discussion covered the right to bail as a mechanism to ensure liberty while awaiting trial, stressing the need for its accessibility and the prevention of excessive bail conditions.
- Plea Bargains
- Presenters analyzed the advantages and challenges of plea bargains, particularly in decongesting courts and detention facilities while cautioning against misuse that could undermine justice.
- Trial Procedures
- The right to a fair trial was emphasized, including timely access to legal representation, the presumption of innocence, and impartial adjudication.
- Conviction and Sentencing
- Participants advocated for proportionality in sentencing, underscoring the role of the judiciary in avoiding unjust penalties that disproportionately affect marginalized groups.
Interactive Session and Resolutions
The interactive session enabled stakeholders, including judges, lawyers, law enforcement, and civil society organizations, to exchange ideas on addressing systemic violations of suspects’ rights. Key resolutions included:
- Implementing mechanisms for regular judicial oversight of detention facilities.
- Establishing clearer guidelines for plea bargains to prevent coercion.
- Conducting public enlightenment campaigns to educate citizens about their rights.
A Call to Action
The event concluded with a collective commitment to uphold and advance the fundamental rights of suspects and defendants. The NBA Barnawa Branch hopes that the resolutions adopted will inspire actionable change within government and private institutions to preserve human dignity and justice.
Paul Harris Ogbole, SAN
Keynote Speaker, International Human Rights Day Symposium.
