The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has pledged to offer free legal assistance to #EndBadGovernance protesters facing legal challenges nationwide.
This information was shared by Mazi Afam Osigwe, the NBA’s spokesman, on his X (formerly Twitter) account on Wednesday.
In his announcement, Osigwe disclosed that the NBA has instructed its local branches across the country to keep a vigilant watch on the trials of the protesters. He also announced a Pro Bono support program designed to guarantee that those protesters without legal representation are not abandoned in dealing with the legal system.
Osigwe said, “I have tasked the branches of the Nigerian Bar Association @NigBarAssoc with overseeing the trials of the #EndBadGovernance protesters. Furthermore, I have initiated a Pro Bono support program for protesters without legal representation.”
To provide thorough oversight, the NBA has assigned its Citizens’ Liberties Committee (NBA-CLC) to collaborate closely with the Chairmen and Human Rights Committees of NBA branches in areas where protesters face legal action. Osigwe highlighted that the NBA’s legal team will closely monitor court proceedings to ensure that trials follow due process and protect the legal rights of all defendants.
He confirmed that the legal teams from the Nigerian Bar Association are present in the courts and will persist in observing the proceedings to ensure the rule of law is maintained, the rights of defendants are safeguarded, and that justice is achieved.
In other news, *The Africa Health Report (AHR)* had revealed that a number of #EndBadGovernance protesters have been placed in Kuje Correctional Centre after facing treason charges. Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court in Abuja issued the remand on Monday, with a hearing for their bail application set for September 11, 2024. The protesters have denied the six terrorism charges filed against them by the Federal Government.
