In line with the proactive and people-centred leadership of the President of the Nigerian Bar Association, Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN, and in furtherance of the mandate of the NBA Human Rights Institute (NBA-HRI) to protect the rights of lawyers and citizens across Nigeria, I undertook an official visit to the Honourable Chief Judge of Enugu State.
The purpose of the visit was to inquire into and follow up on the prolonged case of Mr. Bright Emeka Ngene, a lawyer who has faced undue delays in the determination of his appeal after the presiding judge recused himself on the day judgment was initially scheduled.
The meeting with the Honourable Chief Judge was extensive, transparent, and rewarding. His Lordship provided insight into the case by presenting the official movement book, which confirmed that the matter had been reassigned as far back as 19th March 2025 to Hon. Justice Oluedo.
Regrettably, despite the reassignment, the matter had not progressed significantly. However, following inquiries made both in the office of the Chief Judge and through his Personal Assistant who contacted the court registrars, it was confirmed that the case has now been fixed for hearing on 23rd September 2025.
The Honourable Chief Judge assured me of his commitment to support every lawful effort to ensure the expeditious and fair determination of the matter within the bounds of judicial propriety.
Following the engagement with the Chief Judge, I was accompanied by the Chairman of the NBA Enugu Branch and a few colleagues to the correctional facility where Mr. Ngene is presently held.
At the prison, we had a first-hand interaction with Mr. Ngene, who narrated the ordeals he has endured during this prolonged delay. Notably, the Chairman of the Enugu Branch himself was hearing for the first time that the appeal had reached judgment stage, and that it was on the very day of judgment that the presiding judge declined to deliver his decision on personal grounds.
I conveyed to Mr. Ngene the assurance of the NBA President, Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN, that the Association is fully committed to ensuring his case is heard on its merits without further undue delay. I also emphasized that under this administration, no Nigerian lawyer shall be left to suffer injustice in silence.
Practical guidance was equally given to his legal team: specifically, to ensure that the State is properly served with a hearing notice and that proof of service is duly filed in the court records, in order to forestall any further adjournments.
In line with the NBA’s commitment to solidarity and institutional protection, I urged the Chairmen and members of the Enugu Branch, Oji River Branch, Nsukka Branch, and all other NBA branches in Enugu State to rally support around Mr. Ngene. The case presents an important opportunity for us as an Association to show unity and reinforce our commitment to defending the rights of our colleagues.
The suit details are as follows:
Suit No.: E/6CA/2025
Parties: Bright Emeka Ngene v. Commissioner of Police.
It is important to note that the Enugu State Judiciary, particularly the Honourable Chief Judge, displayed commendable openness and cooperation during this engagement. Their willingness to provide clarity and assurances is a positive signal of the judiciary’s commitment to justice in this matter.
This intervention underscores the NBA’s proactive stance in defending the rights of its members and other citizens. It also highlights the responsive leadership of the NBA President, Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN, who has once again demonstrated through action that the welfare, dignity, and protection of Nigerian lawyers remain at the core of his administration.
The NBA-HRI shall continue to monitor the progress of this case closely until its logical conclusion.
