The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has announced free legal representation and support for victims of the #Endbadgovernance protesters across the country.
Newly inaugurated President of the NBA, Mazi Afam Osigwe made the disclosure on his verified X handle on Wednesday.
Osigwe said he had directed all branches of the NBA to monitor the trials to ensure that no defendant suffers injustice, adding that he had launched a free support initiative for the protesters.
He said, “I have directed the branches of the Nigerian Bar Association @NigBarAssoc to monitor the trials of the #EndBadGovernance protesters. Additionally, I have launched a Pro Bono support initiative for protesters who lack legal representation.
“The Nigerian Bar Association Citizens’ Liberties Committee (NBA-CLC) has been tasked with liaising closely with the Chairmen and Human Rights Committees of NBA branches in regions where protesters are currently being prosecuted. This ensures that no defendant suffers injustice.
“The NBA legal team will continue to monitor court proceedings to ensure that trials are conducted with strict adherence to due process, safeguarding the legal rights of all defendants.
“The Nigerian Bar Association legal teams are in courts and will continue to monitor proceedings to ensure that the rule of law is upheld, the human rights of defendants are protected, and justice is served”, he said.
Recall that some of the arrested protesters were arraigned in court and remanded in prison custody for allegedly “plotting a war against Nigeria and attempting to topple President Bola Tinubu’s administration”.
Justice Emeka Nwite of a Federal High Court in Abuja, had on Monday ordered the remand of 10 persons after the prosecutor, Simon Lough, opposed their bail applications.