The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has extended an offer of free legal representation to #EndBadGovernance protesters facing court cases nationwide.
NBA President Afam Osigwe announced this on his X account on Wednesday and also instructed NBA branches to oversee the legal proceedings involving protesters across the country.
He said, “I have directed the branches of the Nigerian Bar Association 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.”
Nine #EndBadGovernance protesters were remanded in Kuje Correctional Centre after being charged with treason, while the sole female protester among them was ordered to be held in the Suleja Correctional Facility.
These protesters, along with thousands of others, took to the streets from August 1 to 10, 2024, to protest against hunger and poor governance.