Lawyer Olumide Sonupe, who was unlawfully detained by the police, is now hospitalized after spending two nights in a cell.
The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) is demanding justice and strongly condemning the increasing harassment faced by lawyers at the hands of the police.
Femi Falana, a human rights activist and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, has urged the Nigeria Police to conduct thorough investigations into the case of brutality against lawyers in Lagos State.
Falana made this call on Thursday, during a peaceful protest organized by members of the Nigerian Bar Association, Lagos, against the unjust arrest and detention of lawyer Olumide Sonupe by the police in the state.
Related News: Immigration Lawyer Warns Nigerians to Assess Risks Before Selling Assets for Relocation
The lawyers, representing five branches of the NBA, marched from its Ikeja secretariat to the Command headquarters, where the Commissioner of Police, Adegoke Fayoade, addressed them.
This protest followed the removal of the Divisional Police Officer of Moshalashi Police Station, Austin Arase, who ordered Sonupe’s detention, as reported on January 4.
Sonupe, hospitalized after being detained while seeking the bail of his client, a carpenter, faced deteriorating health upon his release on January 1, 2024.
The incident occurred when Sonupe sought his client’s bail at Moshalashi Police Station on December 30, 2023, and was accused by a female police officer of speaking with his client without an officer present.
The subsequent actions of the DPO, Austin Arase, resulted in Sonupe’s detention, accusing him of disrespecting officers and assaulting an officer.
After his release, Sonupe required medical attention, leading to a public outcry and subsequent removal of the DPO.
During the protest, Femi Falana expressed the NBA’s commitment to defending the rights of lawyers, highlighting an ongoing investigation into the incident.
The chairman of the NBA Ikeja branch, Seyi Olawumi, stated that the peaceful protest aimed to condemn the increased harassment of lawyers by the police.
Sonupe, accompanied by family, friends, and colleagues, emphasized the importance of justice.
The Commissioner of Police, Adegoke Fayoade, addressed the lawyers, acknowledging the unfortunate incident and promising to avoid such issues in the future.
He assured that lawyers would be allowed to visit police stations under his mandate.
This incident adds to a growing concern about illegal arrests and detentions by the police, with citizens often filing fundamental rights enforcement cases against the police for violating their human rights.
The NBA has been vocal in condemning such actions, seeking justice and protection for lawyers and citizens alike.
You can also read: Kanu-lawyers-e1649419552164
