Nigerian Bar Association Condemns The Nocturnal Invasion On Justice Mary Odili Residence

As the news of foiled attempt to invade Hon. Justice Mary Odili Residence in Abuja broke out, the list of those condemning the politically motivated corruption fight have swelled, from civil societies, human rights activists and the NBA to mention just a few.

The most worrisome aspect is the bare denial from the  alleged anchor men, such as AGF Malami, the EFCC and  the DSS who were fingered in the procurement of the backdoor warrant and the execution of same.

Read the Nigerian Bar Association president, Mr. Olumide Akpataa Tweet on the issue below :

The @NigBarAssoc (“NBA”) received with grave concern the news of the unlawful siege on the Abuja residence of a Justice of the Supreme Court of Nigeria, Honourable Justice Mary Ukaego Peter-Odili, last night by officers of one or more of the Nigerian security agencies.

… The grave implications of this possibility leave a lot to be desired.

When viewed in the context of a similar raid on the premises of Supreme Court Justices in 2016, the rationale of which was never satisfactorily justified, the NBA interprets last night’s incident as …… part of an orchestrated affront on the Judiciary, designed to intimidate and ridicule the Judiciary. The NBA will no longer allow this to continue.

In case the law enforcement agencies have not learnt their lessons, events like this do nothing but erode the independence of sacred democratic institutions like the Judiciary, undermine the rule of law in Nigeria…… and set the country back in the quest to instil confidence in citizens of Nigeria, Nigerian businesses, and foreign investors that Nigeria operates a democracy with an independent Judiciary.

I have spoken with My Lord, Peter-Odili JSC and I am happy to report that she is alive and well. Beyond that however, it is my pledge to Nigerians that the NBA will get to the root of this matter.

In line with the aims and objectives of the NBA to protect and defend the independence of the Judiciary and the Rule of Law, we will convene an emergency meeting of the NBA National Executive Committee solely to discuss this issue and take a definitive stand on behalf of the NBA.

I will also lead a delegation to the Honourable AGF Mr. Abubakar Malami, SAN and the relevant heads of security agencies to seek further clarification on the circumstances of this incident.

The NBA will ensure that all those responsible for this unfortunate incident are brought to book. We must do all that is required to safeguard the independence of our Judiciary and indeed protect our hard-won democracy.

We shall keep you posted as the matter unfolds.