- Protesters disrupted NBA conference demanding release of detained lawmaker Bright Ngene.
- Supporters allege his conviction was politically motivated and appeal stalled.
- Security stopped protesters from entering venue, but demonstration remained peaceful.
The second day of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) annual conference in Enugu was on Monday disrupted by protesters demanding the release of Labour Party lawmaker, Bright Ngene, who is currently serving a seven-year jail term.
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EKO HOT BLOG reports that Ngene, representing Enugu South Urban Constituency in the State House of Assembly, was convicted by a magistrate’s court in 2024 following a community dispute. However, his supporters argue that the conviction was politically motivated and accuse the judiciary of deliberately stalling his appeal process.
Carrying placards with inscriptions such as “Release Bar. Bright Ngene Now, a Political Prisoner of Conscience” and “NBA, Please Save Our Democracy”, the protesters alleged that at least two judges had recused themselves from the case, which has yet to be reassigned at the state High Court.
Addressing journalists, protest leader Benedict Kachukwu described the trial as flawed, urging senior lawyers and NBA leadership to intervene. “Due process was not followed in his trial. We appeal to the NBA and senior lawyers at this conference to intervene and ensure justice is done,” he said.
He further noted that Ngene had been in prison since July 2024, describing his incarceration as unjust and politically charged.
Security operatives stationed at the International Conference Centre, venue of the NBA conference, prevented the protesters from entering the hall. Despite the restriction, the demonstrators staged a peaceful protest around the centre before dispersing.
The NBA leadership has not yet issued an official response regarding the demands made at the protest.
