The Nigerian Bar Association has successfully secured the release of a lawyer who was remanded in custody following proceedings at the High Court of Rivers State, Port Harcourt — and the intervention was swift, coordinated, and decisive.
Mrs. Lovinah Ugbana Benjamin, a legal practitioner, had been remanded by the Rivers State High Court when the NBA moved into action. Following a directive from the President of the Nigerian Bar Association, Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN, the NBA Human Rights Institute immediately activated its response mechanism, engaging relevant judicial and administrative authorities to ensure her prompt release.
By March 26, 2026, Mrs. Benjamin was free.
Central to the resolution was the NBA Port Harcourt Branch, led by its Chairman, Mrs. Cordelia Eke, whose swift engagement with key stakeholders on the ground played a significant role in bringing the matter to a close.
In a statement signed by Sabastine Anyia, Chairman of the NBA Human Rights Institute and 1st Vice President of the Nigerian Bar Association, the NBA made its position clear — while courts hold the power to punish for contempt, that power must be exercised sparingly, judiciously, and strictly within the bounds of due process. A lawyer performing professional duties must never be subjected to intimidation or unlawful detention.
The NBA Human Rights Institute says it will continue to monitor developments arising from the incident and is prepared to take further steps where necessary.
For the legal community in Port Harcourt and across Rivers State, this intervention sends a clear message: the Bar will always stand for the Bar. ⚖️
0 Comments