The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has successfully intervened to secure the freedom of Lilian Oluchi Eze, a lawyer based in Benin, who was unlawfully detained by officers of the Tiger Base Unit, State Criminal Investigation Department (CID), Owerri, on Wednesday, March 12, 2025.
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Eze had traveled to Owerri to secure bail for her sister but was abruptly arrested and accused of kidnapping by local police. The incident drew swift action from the NBA leadership, with 1st Vice President and Chairman of the NBA Human Rights Institute, Sabastine Anyia, Esq., mobilizing a rescue team alongside NBA Owerri Branch Chairman, Chief Chris Ihentuge, and senior branch elders.
Upon confirming Eze’s detention, the NBA team engaged authorities at the Tiger Base Unit, demanding her immediate release on grounds of due process violations. Their advocacy proved successful, with Eze regaining her freedom the same day without charges.
In a statement, Anyia emphasized the NBA’s resolve under President Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN:
“This case underscores our proactive stance in defending lawyers from unjust treatment. The NBA will never tolerate the abuse of our members’ rights or the obstruction of their professional duties. We remain vigilant in upholding the rule of law.”
The incident highlights systemic challenges legal practitioners face while navigating law enforcement interactions. The NBA has repeatedly condemned harassment of lawyers, particularly in high-stakes cases, and pledged to escalate advocacy for accountability within security agencies.
The NBA Owerri Branch has initiated steps to address the detention’s circumstances with police leadership, while the national body vowed to monitor follow-up actions. The association urged members to promptly report rights violations to its Human Rights Institute for rapid intervention.
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