The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has announced the release of Pius I. Awoke, Esq., a lawyer from the Abakaliki Branch, who was detained by the Department of State Security (DSS) since July 21, 2021. Awoke was released alongside Onyiba Emmanuel Chinonso, a computer science student at Ebonyi State University, who was also arrested and detained with the lawyer.
![](https://thenigerialawyer.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/2026-IDRI-Masterclass.png")
NBA President Yakubu Chonoko Maikyau, OON, SAN, confirmed that the release was secured on June 21, 2024, after informing the National Executive Council (NEC) about ongoing efforts to secure Awoke’s release during their meeting on June 20, 2024. Both Awoke and Chinonso are expected to be delivered to the NBA President at the association’s secretariat on June 22, 2024.
Prior to the release, the Nigerian Bar Association Security Agencies Relations Committee (NBA-SARC) had come under fire for its long silence on the detention of Awoke. The Law Centre, a special purpose community of lawyers, had reignited the advocacy for Awoke’s release through a letter dated May 23, 2024, which highlighted his arrest and detention without charge since 2021.
Awoke had traveled to Abuja to witness the trial of the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, at the Federal High Court, which led to his detention by the DSS. Despite a court judgment directing the DSS to arraign Awoke and nine others within a month of September 1, 2023, the agency had not complied.
The Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association in Abakaliki, Sir Chigozie Nwankwo (KSJI), and lawyer M. O. Idan had also raised concerns about Awoke’s detention and called for intervention. The NBA-SARC eventually confirmed Awoke’s detention in Minna, Niger State, and acknowledged the outrage expressed by members of the Bar.
[A MUST HAVE] Evidence Act Demystified With Recent And Contemporary Cases And Materials
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
