The President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Mazi Afam Osigwe, has raised serious concerns over the worsening security situation in the South-East region of Nigeria, particularly in relation to illegal detentions, extrajudicial killings, and other human rights abuses. Speaking during an interview in Enugu, Osigwe highlighted the grave challenges facing the region, which he believes are undermining the rule of law and contributing to the breakdown of social order.
Osigwe’s remarks come at a time when the South-East, like many other parts of Nigeria, is grappling with increasing insecurity, including violent crimes, kidnappings, and attacks on law enforcement agencies. The region has seen a rise in violent clashes between security forces and various armed groups, which have often been linked to separatist movements and criminal gangs. These tensions have led to widespread fear among residents and an erosion of confidence in the ability of state authorities to maintain order.
“The issue of security in the South-East should be taken seriously, and it requires the due attention it deserves,” Osigwe said. “There has been a breakdown in law and order in many parts of the South-East. Many communities no longer have the presence of local government, police stations have been destroyed, people are being kidnapped and ransomed, and people are beginning to take this as the order of the day.”
Osigwe’s comments reflect growing frustration among residents and advocacy groups who have been calling for better protection of citizens and a restoration of law and order. In addition to security challenges, Osigwe drew attention to a disturbing trend in the region: illegal detentions and extrajudicial killings, which he argued are further exacerbating the situation.
He noted that the absence of basic security infrastructure, such as functioning police stations, and the erosion of local governance have contributed to an environment where criminal elements thrive. The resulting insecurity has forced many people to take matters into their own hands, sometimes resorting to violent actions in response to the lack of law enforcement presence.
One of the issues Osigwe specifically condemned was the practice of magistrates granting remand orders without proper legal oversight, leading to unjust and often prolonged detentions. According to Osigwe, this practice violates the fundamental rights of the accused and contributes to the overcrowding of Nigeria’s prisons.
“Over 68 percent of prison inmates in the country are awaiting trial, and many have spent more time in detention than they would have if convicted,” he pointed out. “We condemn a situation where people are being held in remand without a valid reason. There needs to be a review of these remand orders, and no magistrate should issue a remand order without ensuring that the accused is given their day in court.”
Osigwe expressed concern over magistrates who, in some cases, grant remands even though they do not have the legal authority to do so. He called on the Chief Judges (CJs) of various states to take action by ensuring that no magistrate issues indefinite remand orders. Furthermore, he urged CJs to direct magistrates not to remand any suspect without charging them to court and ensuring that a return date is set for the review of the remand order.
According to Osigwe, the practice of granting indefinite remands is not only unlawful but also an infringement on the rights of the accused. He emphasized that the law requires that individuals should not be detained without being charged or given an opportunity to defend themselves in court.
“The situation where people are being detained without trial cannot be allowed to continue,” Osigwe stated. “No one should be remanded without being charged to court. This is a clear violation of their rights, and it is the duty of the judiciary to protect these rights.”
To address this issue, Osigwe urged victims of unlawful detention to take legal action against the state. He encouraged people who feel aggrieved by unjust remands to seek redress in the courts. In line with the NBA’s commitment to justice and the rule of law, Osigwe assured that NBA lawyers would be available to offer pro bono legal services to those who cannot afford to pay for legal representation.
“Victims of unlawful detention have the right to sue the state for holding them without trial,” Osigwe advised. “While we cannot directly instigate people to go to court, many NBA lawyers are willing to provide legal support for victims who wish to seek justice.”
The NBA, under Osigwe’s leadership, has also been involved in efforts to promote peace and security in the South-East through constructive dialogue with relevant authorities and advocacy for better governance. The association has been working with various security agencies and governmental bodies to find solutions to the region’s security challenges. Osigwe emphasized that it is crucial to engage with stakeholders and encourage collaboration between the government, the legal community, and civil society to restore peace in the region.
The growing concerns over the security situation in the South-East come in the wake of increasing reports of human rights abuses, including extrajudicial killings and enforced disappearances. Such incidents, often attributed to both state and non-state actors, have sparked outrage and protests from human rights organizations and citizens alike. In addition to calls for an end to unlawful detentions, there is a broader demand for greater accountability in the security sector and for authorities to respect the rule of law in their operations.
One of the central points in Osigwe’s remarks is the need for reform within the judicial system, especially at the level of magistrates’ courts, where many of these remand issues originate. Osigwe called on the Chief Judges to take greater responsibility in ensuring that justice is not only done but also seen to be done, particularly in cases involving remand orders.
As the situation in the South-East continues to evolve, the NBA’s involvement in addressing the security and human rights challenges in the region has become even more critical. Osigwe’s call for reforms and his offer of legal support reflect the association’s commitment to promoting justice and protecting the rights of all Nigerians, particularly those in the South-East who have been affected by the ongoing crisis.
The need for a coordinated response to the security situation in the South-East has never been more urgent, and with organizations like the NBA taking a stand, there is hope that meaningful change can be achieved. Whether through legal action, advocacy, or direct engagement with the government, it is clear that the issue of human rights abuses and unlawful detentions in the South-East requires immediate attention and action from all stakeholders involved.
