In an earlier statement issued on 29th April 2020, I expressed concern and displeasure at the blatant disrespect for the judiciary and the rule of law by the Department of State Security (DSS) in the case of Mr. Emperor Ogbonna.

Mr. Ogbonna is an Aba based lawyer who was arrested sometime in March this year by the DSS. The Federal High Court granted him bail but the DSS rearrested him and detained him without any formal charge.

I am advised that there is another Federal High Court Order issued on 29th June 2020 in which the court ordered his immediate release and awarded 1.5 million Naira as damages against the DSS for his continued wrongful detention. Till date these orders have not been complied with by the DSS.

It is disheartening that this tyranny by Nigerian security services continues to fester.

I am in full support of the peaceful protest march that has been planned for today, 14th July 2020, by members of the Bar in Abuja and various civil society groups calling for the unconditional release of our colleague and obedience to court orders by Nigerian security agencies. I am unable to be there in person, but I am ably represented by Mr. Maxwell Opara of the NBA, Bwari Branch.

The blatant disregard for and disobedience to valid court orders by agents of the State must be brought to an end.

The judiciary must also stand up in this fight. It is only when we all unite together that we can succeed.

We must all do better.

Dr Babatunde Ajibade SAN, FCIArb.

Follow Our WhatsApp Channel ______________________________________________________________________________________________________

[A MUST HAVE] Evidence Act Demystified With Recent And Contemporary Cases And Materials

“Evidence Act: Complete Annotation” by renowned legal experts Sanni & Etti.

Available now for NGN 40,000 at ASC Publications, 10, Boyle Street, Onikan, Lagos. Beside High Court, TBS. Email publications@ayindesanni.com or WhatsApp +2347056667384. Purchase Link: https://paystack.com/buy/evidence-act-complete-annotation

______________________________________________________________________ “Enhance Legal Practice With Authoritative Reports” — Alexander Payne Offers Comprehensive Law Reports, Spanning Over A Century Of Nigerian Jurisprudence

Interested buyers are encouraged to place their orders and enquiries via: 0704 444 4777, 0704 444 4999, 0818 199 9888 Website: www.alexandernigeria.com

______________________________________________________________________