Dare Babalola
A dramatic scene unfolded at the ongoing Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) annual general conference in Enugu on Monday, August 25, 2025, as constituents of Enugu South Urban State Constituency staged a peaceful protest over the continued incarceration of their elected representative, Barr. Bright Ngene.
Ngene, a Labour Party member and winner of the Enugu South 1 State Constituency seat, has been in jail since July 28, 2024, following a “baseless and politically motivated” charge.
The protesters, carrying placards with poignant messages such as “NBA please help release Barr. to represent his constituency,” “The people’s choice is not a crime,” and “Free Barr. Bright Ngene,” demanded Ngene’s immediate release, citing grave injustice and subversion of democracy.
They accused the Enugu State judiciary of succumbing to executive pressure, leading to Ngene’s prolonged detention.
Speaking on behalf of the group, Kachukwu Benedict expressed frustration over the judiciary’s handling of Ngene’s case.
“Since July 28, 2024, Hon. Bright Emeka Ngene, who won the House of Assembly seat for Enugu South Urban, has been unjustly incarcerated. Charges against him were baseless, judicial processes were not followed, and in less than two weeks judgment was dispensed,” he stated.
Benedict further emphasised that despite Ngene’s re-election on August 16, 2025, while still in prison, the judiciary has failed to act.
He added, “All we are asking is that the judiciary be allowed to do its job, we are not afraid of going through the judicial process. No matter the judgment that comes, we will accept it in good faith.”
The protesters appealed to the NBA and senior lawyers attending the conference, including human rights activists Femi Falana (SAN) and Monday Ubani, to intervene and ensure due process.
The protest was largely peaceful, with the group emphasizing their mission was to “beg, not fight.”
