NBA President Calls For Judicial Accountability And Enhanced Human Rights Protection
At the 2024 International Human Rights Day celebration hosted by the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Human Rights Institute, the NBA President, Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN, delivered a compelling call for stronger measures to safeguard human rights and promote judicial accountability across Nigeria.
Speaking on the theme, *“Our Rights, Our Future, Right Now: All Humans Are Born Free and Equal in Dignity and Rights,”* Osigwe highlighted persistent human rights challenges, particularly unlawful detentions. He criticized the prevalent practice of magistrates issuing remand orders without proper charges, describing it as a flagrant violation of due process.
“The law is clear,” Osigwe stated. “Magistrates must ensure that no remand orders are made unless charges have been duly filed. This practice exacerbates prolonged and unlawful detention, undermining the justice system.”
The NBA President also urged Chief Judges nationwide to enforce periodic visits to detention facilities by magistrates and judges, as mandated by law. These visits, he explained, are critical for addressing overcrowding in detention centers, where many individuals endure inhumane conditions for minor or nonexistent offences.
Osigwe highlighted the pivotal role of the NBA Human Rights Institute as a mechanism for addressing human rights violations. He encouraged NBA branches to leverage the institute’s resources to tackle abuses swiftly and effectively, ensuring that justice is accessible to all.
Additionally, he called for improved collaboration between the NBA and security agencies to address human rights abuses committed by some personnel. “A stronger partnership grounded in mutual respect and dialogue is essential to protecting citizens’ rights while ensuring public safety,” he noted.
Reaffirming the NBA’s commitment to human rights advocacy, Osigwe called on stakeholders across various sectors to work collectively toward a society that values the dignity and equality of all individuals.
The event, held to commemorate the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, served as a platform to reflect on progress and reinforce commitments to justice, equality, and the rule of law.
