Unity Bar Human Rights Committee Secures Release Of Senior Lawyer From Police Detention
In a demonstration of its commitment to upholding the rule of law and protecting human rights, the Human Rights Committee of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Abuja Branch (Unity Bar) successfully secures the release of a senior legal practitioner, Mr. Pius Sunday Okeoma. He was detained by the Force Investigation Department (FID) of the Nigeria Police Force over allegations of misrepresentation.
Mr. Okeoma, a senior lawyer based in Abuja, was reportedly held at the FID, Area 11, Abuja, for allegedly authoring a petition on behalf of a client without authorization. On the evening of February 7, 2025, he reached out to Mr. Idoko Anthony, Vice Chairman of the Unity Bar and Chairman of its Human Rights Committee, requesting assistance in securing his bail.
Although the Vice Chairman was out of jurisdiction at the time, he immediately instructs a committee member, Mr. Vincent Adodo, to intervene. Adodo proceeds to the FID, where he met with the Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) in charge of the Force Intelligence Bureau (FIB), DIG Galadanchi. The DIG insists that the detained lawyer would only be released to the chairman of the NBA Abuja Branch.
Following confirmation from the NBA Abuja Branch Chairman, Mr. Steve Emelieze, that Mr. Adodo was an authorised representative, the DIG approves the lawyer’s release on bail. Mr. Adodo, along with another Unity Bar member, Usman Chamo, Esq., successfully secures Mr. Okeoma’s release at approximately 10:35 PM.
At the NBA Abuja Branch’s monthly meeting on February 8, 2025, Mr. Okeoma expresses deep gratitude for the branch’s intervention, commending their swift response. He also pledged to remain actively involved in the association’s activities.
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