Demonstrators demanding the release of Bright Ngene, a Labour Party lawmaker in the Enugu State House of Assembly, disrupted the Nigerian Bar Association’s (NBA) annual conference on Monday, August 25.
The protests took place on the second day of the conference in Enugu.
Persecondnews recalls that Ngene, who represents the Enugu South Urban Constituency, is currently serving a seven-year prison sentence.
A magistrates’ court handed down the sentence in relation to a community dispute, but his supporters argue that the conviction was politically motivated.
Carrying placards that read “Release Bar. Bright Ngene Now, a Political Prisoner of Conscience” and “NBA, Please Save Our Democracy,” the protesters accused the state judiciary of delaying Ngene’s appeal.
They claimed that at least two judges had recused themselves from the case, and it remains unassigned at the state High Court.
According to protest leader Benedict Kachukwu, Ngene’s imprisonment since July 2024 is unjust.
“Due process was not followed in his trial. We appeal to the NBA and senior lawyers at this conference to intervene and ensure justice is done,” he said.
Security officers, however, prevented the demonstrators from entering the International Conference Centre, venue of the NBA conference.
Despite being blocked, the protesters still conducted a peaceful demonstration around the venue before they eventually dispersed.
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