Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has secured the release of a legal practitioner, Mrs. Lovinah Ugbana Benjamin, who was remanded following proceedings before the High Court of Rivers State in Port Harcourt.
The intervention followed a directive by the President of the Nigerian Bar Association, Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN, who instructed the NBA Human Rights Institute to immediately monitor and follow up on the matter.
According to a press statement issued by Sabastine Anyia, Chairman of the NBA Human Rights Institute and 1st Vice President of the Nigerian Bar Association, the Institute promptly engaged relevant judicial and administrative authorities, alongside the NBA Nigerian Bar Association Port Harcourt Branch, to secure her release.
“Following the directive of the President of the Nigerian Bar Association, Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN, to the NBA Human Rights Institute to immediately monitor and follow up on the remand of Mrs. Lovinah Ugbana Benjamin, the Institute took prompt steps to engage relevant judicial and administrative authorities as well as the NBA Port Harcourt branch toward securing her release,” the statement read.
Mrs. Lovinah Ugbana Benjamin had earlier been remanded after proceedings before the High Court of Rivers State in Port Harcourt. However, she was subsequently released on March 26, 2026, following the intervention of the NBA.
The statement further disclosed that the Institute activated its response mechanism and worked closely with the Chairman of the NBA Port Harcourt Branch, Cordelia Eke, whose swift engagement with relevant stakeholders contributed significantly to resolving the matter.
“In furtherance of this mandate, the Institute activated its response mechanism and worked closely with the Chairman of the NBA Port Harcourt Branch, Mrs. Cordelia Eke, whose collaboration and swift engagement with relevant stakeholders contributed significantly to the resolution of the matter,” the statement added.
The NBA noted that the intervention highlights its commitment to safeguarding the dignity of the legal profession and protecting the fundamental rights of legal practitioners across the country.
“The intervention underscores the commitment of the Nigerian Bar Association to safeguarding the dignity of the legal profession and protecting the fundamental rights of legal practitioners. The NBA reiterates that while courts possess powers to punish for contempt, such powers must be exercised sparingly, judiciously, and strictly within the confines of due process,” the statement said.
The NBA Human Rights Institute also disclosed that it will continue monitoring developments arising from the incident and take further steps where necessary.
“The NBA Human Rights Institute will continue to monitor developments arising from the incident and take further steps where necessary. The Association also commends the leadership of the NBA Port Harcourt Branch and our colleagues in Port Harcourt for the prompt cooperation and support,” the statement continued.
Reaffirming its position, the Association stressed its commitment to defending legal practitioners against intimidation or unlawful detention.
“The Nigerian Bar Association remains resolute in defending the independence of the Bar and ensuring that no legal practitioner is subjected to intimidation or unlawful detention in the course of performing professional duties,” the statement concluded.