The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has offered free legal representation to the #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria protesters with court cases across the country.
The NBA president, Mazi Afam Osigwe, who announced this on his X handle on Wednesday, also directed NBA branches to monitor the legal proceedings across the country.
He said, “I have directed the branches of the Nigerian Bar Association (@NigBarAssoc) 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.”
Chronicle NG reports that some of the #EndBadGovernance protesters were remanded in Kuje Correctional Centre after being charged with treason.
Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court in Abuja ordered their remand on Monday pending the hearing and decision on their bail application, which is scheduled for September 11, 2024.
The judge set the date after they pleaded not guilty to the six-count charge bordering on terrorism levied against them by the federal government.
