Sabastine Ubua Anyia, Esq, former chairman of NBA, Aguata Branch and former Chairman of Chairmen of the 8 Branches of Anambra State has expressed dissatisfaction with the attitude of the Nigerian Police over the members of the Legal Profession.
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In a statement made available to TheNigeriaLawyer title: “IS THE NIGERIA POLICE RESPECTING THE NIGERIAN MEDICAL ASSOCIATION (NMA) MORE THAN THE NIGERIAN BAR ASSOCIATION (NBA) NOW?”, Anyia suggested that the attitude of the Nigerian Police is discriminatory in favour of other Professionals without similar regard to lawyers.
Recounting the story of a doctor who was assaulted by the Nigerian Police, Anyia said:
“I read from some tabloids how a Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Okada and some of his men are facing disciplinary action for assaulting and detaining a member of staff of Igbinedion University Health Care Centre, Okada, Dr. Clinton Osayande.
“It was reported that on 21st day of May, 2020, the DPO, while conducting stop and search duty with his men near the Police station in Okada, intercepted Dr. Clinton Osayande, who was driving his car. A harsh argument ensued when the police officers asked him to pull over. When it became extremely difficult for him to pull over, the officer shot at his vehicle’s tyre, assaulted him and later detained him for a night.
“The State Police Command on Friday the 22nd day of May, 2020 apologized to the Medical Doctor and the Edo Branch of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) while wishing that the unfortunate and avoidable incident never happened. ” Edo Police Command strongly condemns the act of incivility against Dr. Osayande and tenders unreserved apology to him and the NMA, Edo state branch”
“The nation reported that Nwabuzor added that the disciplinary measures against the errant officers and men would serve as deterrent to others.”
Mr. Anyia found the attitude of the Police surprising and perceived something fishy. “Did you get the message? Are you thinking the way I’m thinking?” he asked.
Continuing, Anyia said he “can’t remember the last time the police tendered apology to NBA national, state or branches over their arrest and detention of members of the Nigerian Bar Association. Has our association be reduced to nothing in the eyes of police officers?
“Almost every week, police men are assaulting and detaining members of our profession for doing their legitimate work of asking for the bail of their clients.”
Anyia recalls that a lawyer is currently in detention for over two months “Where did we go wrong as an association? One of us (Emperor Ogbonna) has been in police detention for over two months even after he was granted bail by a superior court of record.
“Should we wait until the Nigerian Police Force begins to respect “wheel barrow association ” more than us before we wake up from our slumber? Enough is enough.” he queried.
He therefore advised the Nigerian Bar Association to take action. “We as an association must do the needful. I’m primarily concern with the welfare of Nigerian lawyers especially the young ones who are assaulted and detained every time by the police for no offence known to law. I’m ready to work with Mr. President to put an end to this police non – chalant attitude towards lawyers
“We can do it better, let’s work together.”
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