The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has reaffirmed its commitment to combating violence and unlawful detention of minors through deeper collaboration with the United Nations.

On Sunday, May 5, 2025, the President of the NBA, Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN, received the United Nations Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Violence Against Children, Dr. Najat Maalla M’jid, and her delegation at the NBA National Secretariat in Abuja.

Welcoming the UN team, Osigwe provided an overview of the NBA’s structure—comprising 130 branches nationwide and a national executive committee—and emphasized the Association’s steadfast dedication to upholding human rights and the rule of law. He highlighted the vital role of the NBA Human Rights Institute and its various committees in addressing cases of abuse, particularly involving children and other vulnerable groups.

The NBA President expressed concern over the persistent detention and prosecution of children in breach of both Nigerian law and international conventions. He called for regular visits to detention facilities by heads of courts, in line with the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), to safeguard the rights of minors.

“The NBA has long filled the void left by underfunded legal aid institutions, ensuring access to justice for the most marginalized, especially children,” Osigwe said. He also proposed a dedicated session on juvenile justice at the upcoming NBA Annual General Conference to galvanize action on child protection.

In her remarks, Dr. Maalla M’jid stated that the visit was part of a broader mission to engage with key stakeholders in Nigeria’s justice sector and strengthen mechanisms for the protection of children. She raised concerns over practices such as trying children in open courts and emphasized the urgent need for reform in line with global child protection standards.

She reaffirmed the UN’s readiness to partner with the NBA on initiatives targeting juvenile justice reform, the elimination of violence against children, and broader legal safeguards for minors.

“This partnership represents a significant leap toward ensuring every Nigerian child enjoys the full protection of the law,” Osigwe concluded, echoing the words of Nelson Mandela: “There can be no keener revelation of a society’s soul than the way in which it treats its children.”

Follow Our WhatsApp Channel ________________________________________________________________________ The Law And Practice Of Redundancy In Nigeria: A Practitioner’s Guide, Authored By A Labour & Employment Law Expert Bimbo Atilola _______________________________________________________________________

[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

______________________________________________________________________ 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