The Nigerian Bar Association has announced the successful release of Mrs. Lovinah Ugbana Benjamin, a lawyer who was remanded following proceedings before the High Court of Rivers State, Port Harcourt.
![](https://thenigerialawyer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/TheNigerialawyer-WhatsApp-Channel1.jpg")
In a statement signed by Sabastine Anyia, Chairman of the NBA Human Rights Institute and 1st Vice President of the Nigerian Bar Association, the Association disclosed that Mrs. Benjamin was released on March 26, 2026, following the intervention of the NBA.
According to the statement, the President of the Nigerian Bar Association, Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN, had directed the NBA Human Rights Institute to immediately monitor and follow up on the remand of Mrs. Benjamin.
“Following the directive of the President of the Nigerian Bar Association, Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN, to the NBA Human Rights Institute to immediately monitor and follow up on the remand of Mrs. Lovinah Ugbana Benjamin, the Institute took prompt steps to engage relevant judicial and administrative authorities as well as the NBA Port Harcourt branch toward securing her release,” the statement read.
The NBA Human Rights Institute activated its response mechanism and worked closely with the Chairman of the NBA Port Harcourt Branch, Mrs. Cordelia Eke, whose collaboration and swift engagement with relevant stakeholders contributed significantly to the resolution of the matter.
The Association commended the leadership of the NBA Port Harcourt Branch and colleagues in Port Harcourt for the prompt cooperation and support.
The NBA used the occasion to issue a warning to courts regarding the exercise of contempt powers.
“The intervention underscores the commitment of the Nigerian Bar Association to safeguarding the dignity of the legal profession and protecting the fundamental rights of legal practitioners,” the statement read.
“The NBA reiterates that while courts possess powers to punish for contempt, such powers must be exercised sparingly, judiciously, and strictly within the confines of due process.”
The NBA Human Rights Institute disclosed that it will continue to monitor developments arising from the incident and take further steps where necessary.
The Association reiterated its commitment to defending the independence of the Bar.
“The Nigerian Bar Association remains resolute in defending the independence of the Bar and ensuring that no legal practitioner is subjected to intimidation or unlawful detention in the course of performing professional duties,” the statement concluded.
The successful intervention by the NBA in securing the release of Mrs. Lovinah Ugbana Benjamin demonstrates the Association’s commitment to protecting its members from what it considers excessive use of judicial powers.
The statement’s emphasis that contempt powers “must be exercised sparingly, judiciously, and strictly within the confines of due process” signals the NBA’s concern about the circumstances that led to Mrs. Benjamin’s remand.
While the specific details of the contempt proceedings that led to her remand were not disclosed, the NBA’s swift response — activating its Human Rights Institute, engaging judicial and administrative authorities, and coordinating with the local branch — illustrates the mechanisms available to lawyers who find themselves in similar situations.
The case also highlights the importance of collaboration between the national body and branch leadership in addressing issues affecting legal practitioners at the local level.
For lawyers across Nigeria, the NBA’s intervention serves as reassurance that the Association will stand behind members who face detention or intimidation in the course of their professional duties — while also reminding the judiciary of the need for restraint in exercising contempt powers.
The book, titled The Law of Torts in Nigeria: A Functional Approach, authored by Professor Hagler Sunny Okorie Ph.D and Ikeocha, Nathaniel Ngozi Esq, offers law students, practitioners, and academics a comprehensive guide to understanding and applying tort law in Nigerian courts. Interested buyers can place orders via the following contact numbers: 08028636615, 08037667945, 08032253813, or +234 902 196 2209.
______________________________________________________________________
[A MUST HAVE] Evidence Act Demystified With Recent And Contemporary Cases And Materials
ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE FOR LAWYERS: A COMPREHENSIVE GUIDE
Reimagine your practice with the power of AI “...this is the only Nigerian book I know of on the topic.” — Ohio Books Ltd
Authored by Ben Ijeoma Adigwe, Esq., ACIArb (UK), LL.M, Dip. in Artificial Intelligence, Director, Delta State Ministry of Justice, Asaba, Nigeria.
Bonus:
Get a FREE eBook titled “How to Use the AI in Legalpedia and Law Pavilion” with every purchase.
How to Order: 📞 Call, Text, or WhatsApp: 08034917063 | 07055285878 📧 Email: benadigwe1@gmail.com 🌐 Website: www.benadigwe.com
Ebook Version: Access directly online at: https://selar.com/prv626
________________________________________________________________________ “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
