Dare Babalola
The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has vowed to get justice for the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Jennifer Elobor, who was assaulted by security operatives in Anambra State.
The association condemned the assault and demanded the prosecution of those involved in what it described as an “inhumane” act.
In a statement signed by its President, Afam Osigwe, and National Secretary, Mobolaji Ojibara, the NBA commended the Anambra State Government for swiftly identifying and arresting the operatives, but emphasised that accountability must not stop at arrest.
“The NBA insists that the perpetrators must be promptly and diligently prosecuted in accordance with the law. Justice must not only be done but must be seen to be done, to serve as both redress for Ms. Elobor and deterrence against similar abuses in the future,” the statement read.
The NBA also highlighted the need for comprehensive training and reorientation of security operatives to prioritize human rights and professionalism.
The association called on the Anambra State Government to put mechanisms in place to prevent similar violations and reassure citizens that security forces will not become agents of abuse.
The incident, which was captured in a viral video, shows armed security operatives under the Operation Udo Ga-Achi group beating and stripping Elobor of her clothing in the Oba community of Anambra State.
The operatives accused her and other corps members of fraud despite her pleas and presentation of her identification card. The incident has attracted widespread criticism from Nigerians, the NYSC, politicians, and civil society organisations.
