As the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) prepares to host its Annual General Conference (AGC) at the International Conference Center, Enugu, from August 23 to 29, 2025, Chief Frank Agbedo, FIMC, has called on the nation’s foremost legal body to place human rights violations at the forefront of its agenda.
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In a detailed commentary, Agbedo emphasized the alarming rise in abuses by security forces across Nigeria, highlighting cases of unlawful detention, extrajudicial killings, torture, and the suppression of peaceful protests. He noted that lawyers themselves have increasingly become victims of harassment, intimidation, and violence, undermining the independence of the legal profession and threatening the pillars of justice.
“A nation that fails to respect and protect human rights cannot, in good conscience, claim membership among the community of decent and civilized countries,” Agbedo wrote, stressing that human rights are the cornerstone of democracy. He applauded the current NBA Executive Committee, led by Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN, for demonstrating the leadership and resolve needed to confront these challenges.
Agbedo outlined key areas he believes the Enugu AGC must prioritize:
- Documenting and Exposing Violations: Establishing mechanisms to track abuses by security forces and publicizing findings nationally and internationally.
- Advocating for Reforms: Collaborating with NBA branches to enhance accountability and oversight of security agencies.
- Protecting Legal Practitioners: Developing strategies to ensure lawyers can perform their duties without fear or harassment.
- Engaging Government and Security Agencies: Facilitating dialogue to promote constitutional adherence and respect for human rights within security forces.
- Educating the Public: Informing citizens of their rights and legal avenues for redress against abuses.
Agbedo stressed that proactive engagement by the NBA would not only restore public confidence in the justice system but also reinforce Nigeria’s commitment to democratic values. He called on the Bar to seize the AGC in Enugu as a pivotal moment to champion human rights, protect the rule of law, and safeguard the dignity of all citizens.
“The Bar cannot afford to be a bystander while the people suffer under the weight of oppression and injustice. It must rise to the occasion and lead Nigeria toward a future where the rule of law prevails,” Agbedo concluded.
Chief Agbedo is the founder of the Global Center for Defence of Human Rights (GCDHR), Lagos.
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