By Dare Akogun
A coalition of civil society organizations (CSOs) has commended the President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Afam Osigwe (SAN), for his commitment to upholding the rule of law by attending the Federal High Court in Abuja on Wednesday, January 29, 2025, to observe the arraignment of human rights activist and pro-democracy campaigner, Omoyele Sowore, on alleged cybercrime charges.
In a statement issued on Friday, January 31, 2025, the CSOs described Osigwe’s action as symbolic and courageous, noting that it reaffirmed the role of legal professionals in safeguarding democratic principles and ensuring justice prevails.
“The NBA President’s presence in court sent a strong message about the importance of transparency, fairness, and accountability in judicial processes.
“It demonstrated that the legal profession remains vigilant in upholding fundamental rights guaranteed by the Constitution,” the statement read in part.
The CSOs further highlighted the widespread concerns over disregard for due process and judicial independence, stressing that while no one is above the law, the principles of justice must be upheld at all times.
In light of Osigwe’s intervention, the organizations urged the Nigerian Bar Association to institutionalize court observation programs by establishing legal monitoring teams to observe trials, advocate for judicial reforms, and ensure the protection of human rights defenders.
They also called on the NBA to actively challenge the misuse of the Cybercrime Act against activists and journalists, emphasizing that the association has a duty to protect human rights and democratic values.
“We recommend that the NBA engages with relevant stakeholders, including civil society organizations, to develop a framework for identifying cases that require observation and ensuring continuous advocacy for judicial integrity,” the statement added.
The CSOs reaffirmed their commitment to working with the NBA in preserving democracy and the rule of law, urging all stakeholders to remain vigilant in defending justice.
Organizations that signed the statement were Media Rights Agenda (MRA), Hope Behind Bars Africa Restorative Justice for Africa Initiative Paradigm Initiative (PIN), Yiaga Africa, NULAI NIGERIA BO Foundation for Inclusive Media (BOFIM), Human Rights Journalists Network Nigeria (HRJN), and International Press Centre (IPC).
Others are Global Rights Nigeria Network of NGOs Sesor Empowerment Foundation Public and Private Development Centre (PPDC) Dataphyte Foundation, Digicivic Initiative and TechHerNG
