NBA condemns EFCC brutality, demands justice for member

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Abuja Branch (Unity Bar), has condemned in strong terms the brutal treatment and ill reception of the chairman, Makurdi branch, Mr. Justin Gbagir, by men of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

A signed statement by its secretary, Prince Adebiyi Adetosoye, demanded that the officers responsible for the brutality be brought to book, while also calling for the reorientation of all law enforcement agencies in Nigeria on rules of engagement with citizens.

“We condemn this act of brutality in very strong terms. This act of brutality by law enforcement agents against lawyers is one brutality too many,” the statement said.

The statement said the EFCC Act, particularly Sections 6 and 7 of the Act plainly dictates the functions of the commission, adding that there is no paragraph under which the commission is empowered to maltreat citizens of the country they swore to protect.

The NBA called for the reorientation of all law enforcement agencies in Nigeria on rules of engagement with citizens.

“We call for a change of minds, focus and direction of these agencies to one that would improve and enhance public cordial relations. It is only then we can anticipate efficiency, effectiveness and an attitudinal change in cordial public relations,” the statement said.

“As rightly stated by Stephen Fry; Mankind can live free in a society hemmed in by laws, but we have yet to find a historical example of mankind living free in lawless anarchy.”

The canker worm that steadily eats deep into the fabric of our dear nation has constantly been that of Police brutality. However, presently, the EFCC brutality is gradually becoming a thing of grave concern,” it added.