Nigerian Bar Association Stages Rare Protest at Navy Dockyard, Demands End to Lawyers’ Intimidation

By Joseph Iyaji | Akahi News

Tensions rose in Lagos today as members of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) staged a rare public protest at the Nigerian Navy Dockyard. The demonstration, led by senior members of the Bar, sought accountability from government institutions, respect for the rule of law, and stronger protection for lawyers’ rights.

Why the Lawyers Took to the Streets

The protest began early this morning, with lawyers marching to the Dockyard to present a petition highlighting what they described as increasing harassment and rights violations by security operatives. Their key demands included:

• Respect for Legal Practice – Lawyers called for an immediate end to the intimidation of legal practitioners by police, naval, and paramilitary officers.
• End to Arbitrary Arrests and Detentions – The association demanded the release of members allegedly detained without due process.
• Oversight and Accountability – A thorough investigation into alleged rights abuses by security agencies.
• Rule of Law and Independence of the Bar – Guarantees that lawyers will be allowed to operate freely without political or institutional interference.

Statement from NBA Lagos President

The protest was spearheaded by Uchenna Akingbade, the newly inaugurated President of the Lagos Branch of the NBA and the first woman to hold the position. Speaking to journalists, Akingbade said the association could no longer remain silent in the face of repeated violations against lawyers in the line of duty.

“We cannot allow intimidation and disregard for due process to become normalised. Our demand is simple: uphold the rule of law and respect the independence of the Bar,” she declared.

Navy’s Response and Next Steps

Eyewitnesses confirmed that naval authorities received the NBA’s petition but made no immediate commitments. The leadership of the NBA has vowed to sustain pressure until tangible steps are taken to address their concerns.

This marks one of the first large-scale lawyers’ protests in Lagos in recent memory, a move analysts believe could set a new precedent under Akingbade’s leadership, with the association poised to become more assertive in defending judicial independence and the rights of its members.

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