Legal Updates

UNWARRANTED ARREST OF LAWYERS BY THE POLICE.

Published

1 year ago

April 11, 2023

Stella Charles Akupue

STATEMENT OF THE PRESIDENT OF THE NIGERIAN BAR ASSOCIATION (NBA) ON THE UNWARRANTED ARREST OF LAWYERS BY THE POLICE IN PORT HARCOURT, RIVERS STATE

1 April 2023
I read the rather unfortunate and disturbing news of the arrest of three (3) of our
colleagues, Jerry Aondo, Esq, Dr Sobere Nelson, and Odum Eyiba, Esq, in Rivers State.

It was reported that the trio, who all practice in Mr Tuduru Ede, SAN’s law firm in Port
Harcourt, Rivers State, was working on a petition for the All Progressives Congress
(APC) against the declaration by INEC in the just concluded gubernatorial election in
the state and were arrested while preparing the petition in a Hotel where they secured
rooms and lodged for the purpose of the assignment.

I spoke with Mr Tuduru Ede, SAN, who confirmed the incident. The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) strongly condemns such unwarranted harassment of lawyers in the lawful performance of their professional duties to their clients.

RELATED:

NBA MOURNS PRINCE BOLA AJIBOLA, SAN.

Situations where the instrumentality of the police is apparently being used to harass and
intimidate lawyers, is a direct affront to the rule of law and a threat to our democracy;
It is an invitation to anarchy and chaos, as people would resort to self-help rather than
approach the civil and constitutional means provided for the resolution of disputes.

I contacted the Inspector General of Police (IGP) and the Commissioner of Police.
(CP) Rivers State and I have been assured of the release of our colleagues.

We shall also take up the matter to ensure that any person(s), including police officers,
who may be found complicit in the events leading to the arrest of our colleagues is
sanctioned for any possible abuse of office.

I will continue to talk with Mr Tuduru SAN and shall keep you posted on further
developments in this matter.

Yakubu Chonoko Maikyau, OON, SAN
PRESIDENT

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