Enugu NBA expresses worry over unlawful detention of member by police

The Nigeria Bar Association, NBA, Enugu branch, has accused the state police command of complicity in the continuous detention of its member.

The association said this in a press statement signed by the state Chairman, Osita Nnamani.

It said that one Scholastica Offia, a member of the association, had been unlawfully arrested and detained by the police from the Special Anti-Robbery Squad, SARS, since September 11.

“We were informed that the reason for her detention is that some gunmen who threatened the life of the Solicitor-General of the State said that she told them that the man was behind the travails of a kidnap suspect.

“She has remained in detention till now notwithstanding efforts of the leadership of the bar to secure her release on bail.

“We are aware that she was not arrested for a capital offence. The 1999 constitution in Section 35 provides that the police cannot detain a person beyond 24 hours when the person is arrested for a non-capital offence.

“The courts of the land have made pronouncements on the illegality and unconstitutionality of detention beyond the constitutionally prescribed period,” it stated.

It added that police in the state carries out their activities as being above the law.

“We are requesting the national NBA to intervene in this matter to secure her release on bail.

“We know that lawyers do not enjoy immunity from prosecution where investigations reveal a `prima facie’ case against them.

“All that we are saying is that due process should be followed,” it stated.

When contacted for reaction, the Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, Ebere Amarizu, simply said that the case was being looked into.

(NAN)