The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has called on the nation’s judiciary and prosecuting agencies to take urgent steps towards expediting terrorism-related trials, warning that unnecessary delays have become a recurring problem in Nigeria’s justice system.
Speaking to journalists in Abuja shortly after presenting the communique of the Association’s Annual General Conference held in Enugu, the NBA President, Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN, drew lessons from the recent conviction of Simon Ekpa in Finland. Ekpa, the self-styled Prime Minister of Biafra, was found guilty of terrorism-related offences and sentenced to six years’ imprisonment by a Finnish court after a speedy and conclusive trial.
Osigwe said the Nigerian judiciary should learn from the Finnish process, noting that investigations were thorough, evidence was well-prepared, and the trial proceeded without unnecessary adjournments. He stressed that Nigeria’s Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) already provides for day-to-day trials, particularly in terrorism cases, and urged judges and prosecutors to ensure the law is applied.
“I wish our judiciary and prosecutorial agencies are taking note,” Osigwe stated. “Investigating a case properly, building a solid case before it gets to court, and then ensuring that trials proceed seamlessly is the way forward. Terrorism cases should not drag on for years. The ACJA provides for day-to-day hearings and these provisions must not be reduced to lip service.”
On another issue, the NBA President condemned the recent practice of inviting lawyers shortlisted for elevation to the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) to appear before the Department of State Services (DSS), the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), and the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) for questioning.
While acknowledging that the rules permit these agencies to submit confidential reports, Osigwe insisted that such provisions did not extend to summoning candidates for “grilling” or requiring them to fill forms as though they were suspects.
“Our position is that the confidential report process should not involve summoning SAN applicants for interrogation. That was never the intent of the rules. If courts and heads of court can provide records on convictions and conduct, then outsourcing this responsibility in such a manner is unnecessary,” he said.
He disclosed that the NBA’s National Executive Committee (NEC) had resolved to set up a committee to review the guidelines governing SAN conferment, to ensure that they are fair, transparent, and do not compromise the dignity of practitioners.
According to Osigwe, the NBA will engage with the DSS, EFCC, and ICPC to prevent a repeat of the practice and safeguard the independence of the Bar.
Also Read:
