The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has pledged to provide pro bono legal services to protesters associated with the #EndBadGovernance movement who are facing trials in courts nationwide.
NBA President Mazi Afam Osigwe announced the association’s decision in a statement on his X handle on Wednesday, and he also instructed NBA branches to keep an eye on the legal proceedings nationwide.
Persecondnews reports that some of the #EndBadGovernance protesters were remanded in Kuje Correctional Centre after being charged with treason.
On Monday, Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court in Abuja remanded the defendants in custody until their September 11, 2024, hearing and ruling on their bail applications.
The decision came after they entered a not-guilty plea to the six-count terrorism charge brought against them by the Federal Government.
Osigwe 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.”
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