THE Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, yesterday, demanded the unconditional release of its members detained by the Kano State Police Command for planning a peaceful October 1 protest in the state.
According to a letter to the Kano Police Commissioner, signed by NBA Chairman, Kano Branch, Usman Umar Fari Esq, sighted by News Point Nigeria, the action is a gross violation of their fundamental rights to freedom of assembly, expression, and association, as enshrined in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999, (as amended) as well as African Charter for Human and Peoples’ Rights (Ratification and Enforcement) Act.
The letter reads in part: “The continued detention undermines democratic principles and the rule of law. We hold the Nigeria Police Force responsible for their safety and well-being.”
See full letter below:
The Commissioner of Police, 1st October,2024
Kano Police Command, Bompai,
Kano
Dear Mr Commissioner,
UNLAWFUL ARREST AND DETENTION OF OUR MEMBERS
We write to express our deep concern regarding the arrest and detention of the members NPFM [two of whom are members of the Nigerian Bar Association (Kano branch)], who were detained yesterday and taken to an unknown destination, for planning a peaceful protest. This action is a gross violation of their fundamental rights to freedom of assembly, expression, and association, as enshrined in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999, (as amended) as well as African Charter for Human and Peoples’ Rights (Ratification and Enforcement) Act.
The continued detention undermines democratic principles and the rule of law. We hold the Nigeria Police Force responsible for their safety and well-being.
We therefore demand immediate and unconditional release of all detainees, compensation including unreserved apology for unlawful detention and violation of their rights.
Sincerely,
Usman Umar Fari Esq., Chairman, Nigerian Bar Association, Kano Branch
CC:
– National Human Rights Commission
– Inspector General of Police
– Attorney General of the Federation
– President, Nigerian Bar Association