The Nigerian Bar Association Human Rights Institute (NBA-HRI) strongly condemns the recent unlawful arrest, humiliation, and harassment of two legal practitioners by officers of the Nigeria Police Force.
On 19th September 2025, police officers from Abuja arrested Mohammad Bashir Adam, Esq., in the presence of his clients and members of the public while he was carrying out his professional duties. Despite presenting valid means of identification including his NBA membership card and workplace ID he was handcuffed, dragged into a vehicle, and driven towards Abuja, only to be released later when the officers admitted to a case of mistaken identity.
Similarly, on 22nd September 2025, officers from the Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrime Center arrested Uba Sani Hamza, Esq., at Norman’s Land Magistrate Court in Kano. He was detained and transported to Abuja allegedly because he shares a surname with a suspect accused of insulting government officials on social media and for having professional contact with a client sought by the police.
The NBA-HRI finds these acts reprehensible, unconstitutional, and an assault on the independence of the legal profession. Subjecting lawyers to public humiliation, arbitrary arrest, and detention while they discharge their lawful duties undermines not only their dignity but also the administration of justice in Nigeria.
We remind the Nigeria Police Force that:
a. Section 35 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (1999 as amended) guarantees the right to personal liberty, except in strict compliance with due process.
b. The United Nations Basic Principles on the Role of Lawyers obligates states to ensure that lawyers are able to perform their professional functions without intimidation, hindrance, harassment, or improper interference.
c. Targeting lawyers for the identities of their clients or for professional representation amounts to an egregious violation of both human rights and the rule of law.
We therefore Demand an immediate release of Uba Sani Hamza, Esq. and a public apology to him and Mohammad Bashir Adam, Esq. for the unlawful treatment meted out to them.
We Call for a full-scale investigation into the conduct of the officers involved, with appropriate disciplinary and legal action taken and also urge the Inspector-General of Police to issue clear directives to all commands reaffirming respect for the rights of lawyers and their indispensable role in the justice system.
The Institute emphasizes that no democracy can thrive when lawyers are persecuted for performing their duties. The Nigeria Police Force must end this dangerous pattern of intimidation and recommit itself to constitutionalism, professionalism, and respect for human rights.
Sabastine Anyia Esq.
1st Vice President/ Chairman NBA-HRI.
Zainab Aminu Garba
3rd Vice President
Secretary, NBA-HRI
