Society

10 Things That The Nigerian Bar Association Is Doing To Support #EndSars Movement, Police Reforms

Published

5 years ago

October 15, 2020

Eniola Adeniyi

Here are the ten things that the Nigerian Bar Association is doing to support the #EndSars movement demand for police reforms as revealed by its President Olumide Akpata

1. The NBA condemns any ban on the right of citizens to peacefully assemble and protest.

2. Various branches of the NBA have set up teams to provide legal support for peaceful protesters and victims of police harassment across the country.

3. The NBA has set up a central help desk to receive complaints and provide support to victims of harassment. The email and phone number are [email protected] and 07062108806 (SMS and WhatsApp).

4. The NBA is making its resources available to the investigation panel to be established by the Police and Human Rights Commission to look into violation of rights by SARS.

5. The NBA demands an expedited audit of all SARS detention centres, immediate release of those unlawfully held and prompt charging to court of those with credible cases against them.

6. The NBA will work with designated Magistrates across the country to pay monthly visits to police stations and other detention facilities to ensure proper arraignment of suspects or grant of bail as appropriate.

7. The NBA has been in touch and will continue to collaborate with the National Assembly on its proposed legislative intervention on issues affecting the police.

8. The NBA demands for a complete reform and overhaul of the Police to a modern, responsible and responsive law enforcement establishment with issues like funding and better working conditions for officers also addressed.

9. The NBA will set up an NBA Police Reform Team to work with the Police and other organisations in developing a blueprint for police reform in Nigeria and advocating for its implementation.

10. The NBA through its Human Rights Institute will team up with the Police and other agencies to provide education and enlightenment to the Police on respect for civil law, human rights, rules of engagement etc.

You can view the full Press Statement by clicking here* https://nigerianbar.org.ng/statement-president-nigerian-bar-association-olumide-akpata-press-briefing-held-13th-october-2020