The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has concluded its Fact-Finding assignment concerning the detention and appeal proceedings of Mr. Bright Ngene, Esq., reaffirming its commitment to protecting the rights of its members and ensuring the expeditious administration of justice.
At its National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held on February 5, 2026, in Maiduguri, the NBA constituted a seven-member Fact-Finding Committee to investigate the circumstances surrounding Mr. Ngene’s detention and the delays affecting his appeal. The Committee was chaired by Sammie Somiari, SAN, with Musa Attah, SAN; Abdul Mohammed, SAN; Emeka Obegolu, SAN; Chidi Aroh; Venatius Odo; and Osato Uwagboe, who served as Secretary.
On February 18, 2026, the Committee visited Enugu State where it held high-level engagements with the Chief Judge and other judicial officers connected to the matter, including those who had recused themselves. The Committee was informed that multiple recusals and reassignments were influenced by perceived threats and security concerns. While acknowledging these concerns, the Committee observed that the repeated recusals and reassignments contributed to undue delays and created adverse public perception regarding the handling of the case. The Chief Judge denied receiving any directive from the Executive Governor or any member of the Executive Council in relation to the matter.
Following communication from the Chief Justice of Nigeria, the case was reassigned to the original trial judge and fixed for hearing on February 20, 2026.
The Committee also met with the Executive Governor of Enugu State, the Attorney General, and the Chief of Staff. The Governor assured the delegation of the Executive’s non-interference in the administration of justice and confirmed that a hearing date had been assigned to the appeal.
In the course of its visit, the delegation met with Mr. Ngene at the Nigerian Correctional Service facility. He raised concerns regarding alleged procedural irregularities during his trial, confirmed that he had filed both a notice of appeal and an application for bail pending appeal, and expressed apprehension over delays in the hearing of his case.
The NBA Committee emphasised that the repeated reassignments and procedural delays significantly contributed to the prolonged detention of Mr. Ngene and the slow pace of his appeal. It urged all relevant authorities to ensure that no further delays occur in the determination of the matter and resolved to maintain a watching brief over the proceedings.
On the scheduled hearing date, all parties adopted their written arguments, while a member of the Committee held a watching brief on behalf of the NBA. The matter was thereafter adjourned to March 27, 2026, for judgment.
The NBA reiterates its unwavering commitment to safeguarding the rights of its members and to ensuring that the administration of justice is conducted without undue delay, intimidation, or procedural irregularity.
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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY OF THE FACT FINDING ASSIGNMENT OF BRIGHT NGENE IN ENUGU STATE
