In response to the growing concern over the harassment and intimidation of lawyers in the course of their duties, the newly appointed President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Mazi Afam Josiah Osigwe, SAN, has announced the establishment of the NBA National Litigation Committee.
During his inaugural speech, Osigwe strongly condemned the incessant harassment of lawyers by law enforcement agents, describing it as a major threat to the legal profession and the administration of justice system. He emphasized that legal practitioners must be able to represent their clients without fear of intimidation or victimization.
The NBA National Litigation Committee will be charged with the responsibility of instituting actions in respect of alleged human rights violations against lawyers and other matters of public interest concerning the legal profession. The Committee will work closely with the Human Rights Committee of
NBA branches to provide pro bono services to deserving members of the public and take necessary legal actions in cases where lawyers have been assaulted, harassed, or prevented from carrying out their lawful duties.
To ensure effective coverage across the country, the National Litigation Committee will be established on a zonal basis, with separate committees for the Northern, Eastern, and Western regions of Nigeria. Mba Ukweni, SAN, will chair the Eastern zone, with Amaka Ezeno serving as the Alternate Chair. Razak Isenalumhe will head the Western zone, with Adetunji Osho as the Alternate Chair. The Northern zone will be
chaired by Ibrahim Aliyu Nassarawa, with Niri Dalung as the Alternate Chair and Isa Aliyu as the Secretary.
By establishing the NBA National Litigation Committee, Osigwe demonstrates the Association’s resolute commitment to protecting the rights and welfare of legal practitioners, safeguarding the integrity of the legal profession, and upholding the principles of justice and the rule of law in Nigeria.
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