The Department of State Security (DSS) has released Pius Awoke, Esq., a lawyer, and his cousin Onyiba Emmanuel Chinonso, a computer science student at Ebonyi State University, who had been in their custody for three years.

The release took place today in Abuja, with NBA President Yakubu Chonoko Maikyau, OON, SAN, and some national officers present, according to NBA General Secretary, Adesina Adegbite, FICMC, MCIArb., who confirmed this with TheNigeriaLawyer.

According to Adegbite, the release was secured through the efforts of the NBA President at around 1 pm today. Pius Awoke and his cousin were brought to Abuja from Niger State and left the NBA Secretariat between 3:30 pm and 4:00 pm.

Commenting on Pius Awoke’s health condition, Adegbite mentioned that while he is stable, he does not appear to be in good shape. At the time of their release, Awoke had not been seen by a medical practitioner. However, he was handed over to Abakaliki community members based in Abuja, along with an undisclosed amount of cash to enable him to take care of himself upon his return to Ebonyi State, where he resides. Currently, Awoke remains in Abuja.

 

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When questioned about the specific role of the NBA-SARC (Nigerian Bar Association-Security Agencies Relations Committee) in securing Pius Awoke’s release, Adegbite stated that it was solely the effort of the NBA leadership.

Also, Adegbite stated that there are no charges against him or his cousin. The DSS could not find any evidence to support a case against them, and they are now free.

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.

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