NBA Warns Against Violation Suspects’ Rights in Edo

Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Benin Branch, has issued a warning over what it describes as a worrying violation of human rights in the ongoing clampdown on cultism in Edo State.A statement jointly signed by Ekama Itohan, Vice Chairman, Benin NBA who also doubles Chairman, Human Rights Committee of the NBA and Emmanuel Okorie, Secretary of the NBA, expressed deep concern over the mass arrests and arraignments of young men and women allegedly linked to cult activities without adherence to due process.

According to the NBA, many of the arrested individuals are being brought before courts without credible investigations or substantial evidence, a development it warns could erode the integrity of the state’s judicial system.

“The practice of remanding suspects without proof of evidence is a relic of the past and has no place in our modern legal system,” the statement said.The NBA emphasized that while it supports efforts to tackle cultism and violence; such measures must be rooted in the rule of law and must not trample on the fundamental rights of citizens.The NBA added that “Our courts must remain bastions of justice and fairness, not instruments for perpetuating abuses.”The association therefore, urged law enforcement agencies to carry out diligent investigations before arraigning suspects.It also called on the judiciary to insist on proof of evidence, as mandated by the Administration of Criminal Justice Law of Edo State 2018.“We must not compromise justice and fairness in the name of security,” the NBA declared.Meanwhile, the Human Rights Committee of the NBA Benin has declared its readiness to work with stakeholders to ensure that the campaign against cultism does not lead to the victimization of innocent individuals, noting that human life and dignity must not be collateral damage in the fight against cultism.