The Nigerian Bar Association on Sunday revealed that it secured the release of Pius Awoke Esq, a member of its Abakaliki branch in
custody of the Department of State Service.
The NBA said a final year student of the computer science department of the Ebonyi State University, Onyiba Emmanuel Chinonso, was also released following his intervention by the cell of the nation’s secret security agency.
According to a statement made available to journalists by the National Publicity Secretary of the association, Akorede Lawal, on Sunday in Abuja, the two were released following the intervention of the NBA management, led by the President, Yakubu Maikyau (SAN ).
He added that the current NBA leadership also learned of the arrest and detention of Mr. Awoke by the DSS, who had been on the brink of terrorism charges since 2021, a few weeks ago.
“Through the concerted efforts of the NBA leadership, Mr. Awoke was released along with his cousin, one Onyiba Emmanuel Chinonso, a final year computer studies student at the Ebonyi State University who was arrested and detained with Mr. Awoke since 2021,” the statement read. .
The statement further read: “The NBA President, together with the General Secretary, Adesina Adegbite, Second Vice President, Clement Chukwuemeka, National Publicity Secretary, Akorede Lawal and Social Welfare Secretary, Chinyere Obasi, formally received Awoke and Onyibo in the NBA National Secretariat. , Saturday June 22, 2024.
“Mikyau, in his remarks, thanked the Chairman of the NBA Minna Branch, Mr. Mohammed Waziri, who was delegated to physically interact with the DSS who took custody of Awoke and Onyibo following their release in Minna on June 21 of 2024.
“Mr. Awoke thanked the NBA leadership for being responsible for his release.
He said: “I was left without hope. I just hoped in God. He didn’t know the NBA was taking steps to remove me. The NBA has not only obtained the release of a lawyer, but you have saved his life.”
“While the NBA is relieved that Mr. Awoke has regained his freedom, the NBA is committed to interrogating the circumstances that led to his arrest and detention for such a long period without prosecution.
“The NBA condemns incidents of prolonged detention of citizens without charge by law enforcement agencies as a violation of citizens’ fundamental right to a fair hearing and personal liberty, and we reiterate our commitment to protecting these fundamental rights.”
-Advertisement-
Grab our latest Magazine, "Chief Wole Olanipekun, CFR, SAN, A man of wide horizons and deep intentions". Get your order fast and stress free.
For more details about Newswire Law&Events Magazine, kindly reach out to us on 08039218044, 09070309355. Email: newswiremagazine@yahoo.co.uk. You will be glad you did
