TheCable

The National Human Rights Committee (NHRC) of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has directed its members to visit police stations nationwide in order to secure bail for suspects detained over minor offences.

In a memo on Friday, jointly signed by Mike Ozekhome, chairman of the committee, and Bernard Onigah, secretary, the NBA said the directive is due to the ongoing nationwide strike embarked upon by the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN), which has crippled activities of courts for 24 days.

The association urged its members to ensure continuous visits to police stations within the jurisdiction of the NBA branches, until the strike is called off.

“You should intervene and ensure that suspects involved in minor offences and petty crimes are granted bail on liberal terms, pending the calling off of strike by JUSUN,” the memo read.

“You should work closely with the divisional police officers (DPO) and police counsel to ensure the protection of the fundamental human rights of Nigerians and also provide advice to the police when necessary and needed.

“This exercise is to continue throughout the duration of the strike as further directed by the chairman.”

JUSUN had shut all courts across the nation in protest against the non-implementation of financial autonomy for the judiciary.