Legal Updates

Urgent Call for Justice and Accountability: Addressing the Recent Incident at the Federal High Court, Lagos”

Published

10 months ago

July 26, 2023

Stella Charles Akupue

Accountability

Mr. Yakubu Chonoko Maikyau, OON, SAN
President
Nigerian Bar Association
Plot 1102, Muhammed Buhari Way
Cadastral Zone A00, Central Business District
Abuja, Nigeria

Dear Mr. Yakubu Chonoko Maikyau,

RE: INCIDENT BETWEEN OFFICERS OF THE DSS AND NCOS AT THE PREMISES OF THE FEDERAL HIGH COURT, LAGOS, ON 25 JULY 2023

I hope this letter finds you well. I am writing to express my deep concern and disappointment regarding the recent incident at the Federal High Court premises in Lagos on 25 July 2023 involving officers of the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS).

While I appreciate the Nigerian Bar Association’s (NBA) statement condemning the altercation and highlighting the lack of discipline and professionalism within key security institutions, I believe that the response falls short of addressing the gravity of the situation.

There was a public display of disrespect for the court premises and an apparent contempt of court, with the DSS particularly disobeying the sanctity of the court’s authority.

As a concerned member of the Bar and the Founder of EASYREAD LEGAL, I am deeply saddened by the apparent lack of adequate action on the part of the NBA to hold the institutions involved accountable for their actions. Such incidents shame the institutions and erode the public’s confidence in the justice system.

I urge the NBA to take a more assertive stance in advocating for justice and the rule of law.
To avoid being perceived as a “paper tiger” and to address this situation effectively, I recommend the following practical steps be taken:

Engage with Authorities: The NBA should proactively engage with relevant government authorities, such as the Ministry of Justice, the Inspector General of Police, and the heads of the DSS and NCoS. This engagement should express the association’s concern and demand a thorough and impartial investigation into the incident.

Collaborate with Other Stakeholders: The NBA should seek to collaborate with other civil society organizations, human rights groups, and legal associations to jointly advocate for justice and institutional reforms. A united front will add weight to the calls for accountability and reforms.

Monitor the Investigation: The NBA should closely monitor the progress of the investigation to ensure that it is conducted diligently and transparently. The association can appoint a committee to oversee this process and regularly update the public on the developments.

Legal Action if Necessary: The NBA should be prepared to take legal action if the investigation does not yield satisfactory results or indicates a cover-up. This could involve filing petitions or lawsuits to challenge attempts to subvert justice.

Advocate for Reforms: Beyond the immediate incident, the NBA should advocate for comprehensive reforms within the DSS, NCoS, and other security agencies to promote professionalism, respect for the rule of law, and adherence to court orders. This could involve proposing policy changes or engaging in dialogue with relevant authorities.

Public Awareness Campaign: The NBA should launch a public awareness campaign to educate citizens about their rights and the importance of upholding the rule of law. This campaign can also focus on the role of security agencies in maintaining law and order while respecting fundamental rights.

Engage with the Media: The NBA should engage with the media to ensure the incident remains in the public spotlight. Regular press releases, interviews, and op-eds can help keep the issue alive and maintain pressure on the relevant authorities.

Lobbying Efforts: The NBA can also engage in lobbying efforts with lawmakers and policymakers to push for legislative changes that enhance accountability and oversight of security agencies.

Support for Victims: Lastly, the NBA should extend support to any incident victims, including legal assistance and counselling, to help them seek redress and ensure their rights are protected.

By taking these practical steps, the Nigerian Bar Association can demonstrate its commitment to addressing the issue decisively and show that it is not merely a “paper tiger” but a proactive and influential force in upholding justice and the rule of law in Nigeria.

Thank you for your attention to this matter. I trust that the Nigerian Bar Association will take the necessary steps to rectify this situation and promote a safe and secure Nigeria where justice is upheld.

Sincerely,
Oboagwina Caleb ESQ
EASYREAD LEGAL.

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