Human rights activist and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Mr. Femi Falana, called on the Nigeria Police to conduct thorough investigations into the case of brutality against lawyers in Lagos State. Falana made the call during a peaceful protest organized by members of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Lagos, against the unlawful arrest and detention of lawyer Olumide Sonupe by the police.
The protest, which involved lawyers from five NBA branches, commenced from the Ikeja secretariat and culminated at the Command headquarters, where the state Commissioner of Police, Adegoke Fayoade, addressed the demonstrators. The protest followed the removal of the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Moshalashi Police Station, Austin Arase, who ordered Sonupe’s detention.
Olumide Sonupe, a lawyer, was reportedly hospitalized after being detained by the police while seeking the bail of his client at the Moshalashi Police Station in Alimosho on December 30, 2023. He was accused of disrespecting officers and assaulting an officer, leading to two nights in detention.
Falana, speaking during the protest, emphasized the NBA’s commitment to defending the rights of lawyers and stated that the association had filed a report, with an ongoing investigation into the incident. He praised the Commissioner of Police for ordering an inquiry and assured that the NBA would protect the human rights of its colleagues.
The chairman of the NBA Ikeja branch, Seyi Olawumi, explained that the protest aimed to condemn the increased harassment lawyers face from the police. Sonupe, accompanied by family, friends, and colleagues, called for justice and urged the police to conduct thorough investigations.
Commissioner of Police Adegoke Fayoade addressed the lawyers, describing the incident as unfortunate and promising to avoid such occurrences in the future. He disclosed the removal of the DPO and issuance of a departmental query, emphasizing the need for mutual respect between lawyers and police officers.
Instances of alleged police brutality, illegal arrest, and arbitrary detention have drawn attention in recent times, with citizens seeking justice through legal means. The Nigerian Bar Association, in collaboration with affected individuals, continues to advocate for the protection of human rights and the prevention of police misconduct.