During the monthly meeting of the Nigerian Bar Association, Ikeja Branch on Monday, January 8th, 2024, NBA Ikeja Chairman, Seyi Olawumi revealed that all Lagos State branch Chairmen of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) have collectively resolved to stage a protest march. This resolute decision stems from the distressing incident involving Mr. Olumide Sonupe, a member of the NBA Ikeja Branch. Sonupe was detained while attempting to secure the bail of his client on December 30th, 2023, only to be released on January 1st, 2024.
Scheduled for January 11th, 2024, the protest march is a united stand against police brutality and the rampant harassment of lawyers. Fueled by recent events, lawyers in Lagos State are rallying for justice and demanding systemic change in the treatment of legal practitioners.
In a notable development, the Commissioner of Police has taken swift action by removing the DPO from the station involved in the incident. This move underscores the gravity of the situation and highlights the commitment to addressing the issues at hand.
Moreover, a post-protest press conference is set to unfold at the NBA Ikeja Secretariat. The objective is to promote transparency and raise public awareness surrounding the challenges faced by legal practitioners when faced with police officers in most cases.
