The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has distanced itself from a protest staged by individuals claiming to be lawyers. The protest, which took place at the Supreme Court complex, was organized by over 500 legal practitioners from various parts of the country. They expressed concerns over the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission's (EFCC) alleged unlawful approach in handling allegations against former Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello.
The lawyers, under the banner of judicial watchdogs, criticized the EFCC's attempt to arrest Bello at his residence despite a valid court order prohibiting such action, which had not been overturned. The NBA, however, clarified in a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Mr. Habeeb Lawal, that the protesters are not affiliated with the association.
In the statement, Lawal emphasized the NBA's respect for citizens' rights to assemble and protest but stated that the group involved in this particular protest does not consist of actual lawyers. He also noted that Sylvanus K. Alewu, purportedly the leader or convener of the protest, is not a familiar name within the NBA.
