The Nigerian Bar Association – Young Lawyers Forum (NBA-YLF), Idemili Branch, strongly condemns the brutalization of one of our members, who is also the Secretary of the NBA-YLF, Eugene Emejor Isong, Esq, by a Policeman attached to the State CID, Awka.

On Friday, the 5th day of July, 2024, our member, while performing his professional duty as a legal practitioner, was assaulted by a Policeman in an incident that involved gross misconduct, unprovoked aggression, and the flagrant abuse of power. The said Policeman, despite clear authorization from the Station Officer that our member be allowed to go into the station with his phone, forcibly attempted to confiscate our member’s phone, resulting in physical altercation, damage to personal property, and unwarranted public humiliation.

The incident occurred when our member, acting on behalf of his client who was invited to the State CID over a case of malicious damage, sought the intervention of the Assistant Commissioner of Police (A.C.A), Mr. Ekuri Remigius, regarding the unlawful detention and denial of bail for his client. Despite the A.C.A’s directive to communicate via phone with the Station Officer, the involved Policeman disregarded this authorization, assaulted our member, and tore his professional attire. Watch the video below

Such behavior is not only an affront to the individual lawyer but an attack on the legal profession and the rule of law. Lawyers are officers of the court, and any attack on them while discharging their duties is an attack on the judiciary itself. This incident undermines the principles of justice and the fundamental rights of individuals, which the police are sworn to protect.

The NBA-YLF, Idemili Branch, demands:

1. Immediate Investigation and Accountability: A thorough investigation into the conduct of the Policeman involved and all officers present during the incident, ensuring appropriate disciplinary action is taken.
2. Public Apology: A formal apology from the State CID, Awka, and the Nigerian Police Force to our member and the legal profession at large.
3. Protection of Legal Practitioners: Assurance from the Nigerian Police Force that measures will be implemented to prevent such incidents in the future and ensure the safety and respect of legal practitioners.

The Nigerian Bar Association remains steadfast in its commitment to upholding the rule of law, protecting the rights of its members, and ensuring justice for all. We will not tolerate any form of brutality or misconduct by law enforcement officers towards legal practitioners.

Signed,

Princewill C. Efogwo, Esq
Publicity Secretary
NBA-YLF, Idemili Branch

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