Abuja: The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has praised the rapid trial and subsequent conviction of Simon Ekpa, a separatist Biafra agitator, who has been sentenced to six years in prison by a Finnish court for offences related to terrorism.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, The P¤ij¤t-H¤me District Court in Lahti, Finland, found Ekpa guilty of terrorism charges, leading to his conviction. NBA President, Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN, articulated the association’s views during the presentation of the communiqu© from the recently concluded 65th Annual General Conference (AGC) in Abuja.
Osigwe remarked on the efficiency of the Finnish judicial process in Ekpa’s case, expressing a desire for the Nigerian judiciary to observe and learn from this example. He emphasized the need for Nigeria’s investigative and prosecutorial bodies to enhance their capabilities in conducting thorough investigations and presenting robust evidence, which would facilitate smooth trials and credible appeals.
Highlighting the implications of the conviction, Osigwe noted the significant responsibility that accompanies access to social media. He warned that individuals using online platforms to incite ethnic hatred or promote terrorism must be held accountable for their actions.
Addressing the recent invitation of Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SANs) by the Department of State Services (DSS) for screening, the NBA president assured that the association is engaging with authorities to prevent such occurrences in the future. He criticized the practice of questioning SAN candidates as if they were suspects.
Osigwe also defended the participation of newly called lawyers in the AGC discussions, viewing it as a move towards inclusivity and a demonstration that wisdom is not solely age-dependent.
The NBA’s communiqu© emphasized the association’s commitment to driving reforms that promote equity, inclusivity, and accountability. It aims to leverage technology and globalization to strengthen justice delivery and enhance legal education, particularly in entrepreneurial and practical skills.
Furthermore, the NBA reiterated its dedication to continental solidarity, vowing to collaborate with other African bar associations to eliminate trade barriers, bolster cross-border legal frameworks, and ensure a unified African voice on the global stage.
The association called on all levels of government, the judiciary, the legislature, the private sector, civil society, and the international community to partner with it in creating a just, prosperous, and peaceful society. Osigwe stated that the NBA is not only a regulator of legal practice but also a beacon of hope, a guardian of democracy, and a driver of transformation for Nigeria, Africa, and the world.