NBA offers #endbadgovernance protesters free legal representations

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has pledged to provide free legal representation to protesters involved in the #EndBadGovernance movement who are facing court cases nationwide.

Mazi Afam Osigwe, an NBA representative, announced this initiative on his X account on Wednesday. He also instructed NBA branches to oversee the legal processes taking place across the country.

Osigwe stated, “I have instructed the branches of the Nigerian Bar Association (@NigBarAssoc) to closely monitor the court trials of the #EndBadGovernance protesters. In addition, I have initiated a Pro Bono support program to assist those protesters who do not have legal representation.”

He added, “The NBA Citizens’ Liberties Committee (NBA-CLC) will coordinate with the Chairmen and Human Rights Committees of NBA branches in areas where these protesters are being prosecuted to ensure that no defendant faces unfair treatment.”

“The NBA’s legal team will persist in overseeing the court proceedings to guarantee that all trials follow due process and that the defendants’ legal rights are upheld.”

Some of the #EndBadGovernance protesters have been held at Kuje Correctional Centre following charges of treason.

On Monday, Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court in Abuja ordered their detention until the hearing and decision on their bail application, scheduled for September 11, 2024.

The defendants entered a plea of not guilty to a six-count terrorism charge brought against them by the Federal Government.