REPORT OF THE TASK FORCE/SECURITY AGENCIES RELATIONS COMMITTEE presented at the General Meeting of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Ikeja Branch on Monday, February 5, 2024
1. Introduction:
Under the stewardship of Committee Chairman, Adeniyi Quadri, Esq., the Task Force/Security Agencies Relations Committee of the NBA Ikeja Branch has made significant strides in addressing pivotal issues within the legal fraternity.
2. Terms of Reference:
The primary terms of reference include:
i. Eradication of touting activities within Court Precincts in the Ikeja Judicial Division.
ii. Examination of the practices, systems, and procedures of judiciary staff, with a focus on identifying and exposing corruption-enabling mechanisms for potential prosecution.
iii. Mitigation of the escalating trend of harassment of lawyers by security operatives during the discharge of their professional obligations in Nigeria.
The Committee swiftly convened its inaugural meeting on January 9, 2024, addressing the immediate concern surrounding the unfortunate ordeal of Olumide Sonupe, Esq., who endured unwarranted harassment and detention for two nights at the Gowon Estate Divisional Police Station, Lagos, spanning the transition into the new year of 2023/24.
3. Addressing Police Harassment:
In a commendable display of responsiveness, the Committee engaged Mr. Sonupe directly during the meeting. Bearing witness to his firsthand account of reprehensible conduct, the Committee also deliberated on ancillary issues, such as the unsettling practice of lawyers being compelled to surrender their mobile devices at police facilities, thereby rendering them susceptible to similar ordeals.
Furthermore, the Committee meticulously orchestrated plans for a protest march to the office of the Commissioner of Police, scheduled for January 11, 2024, and crafted a correspondingly assertive letter addressed to the Commissioner.
During the meeting proceedings, the Branch Chairman, Seyi Olawumi, Esq., apprised the members of the removal of the implicated Divisional Police Officer (DPO) and the commencement of disciplinary measures against the implicated officer.
Subsequently, a significant milestone was reached during a meeting on January 10, 2024, wherein the Commissioner of Police, alongside high-ranking police officials in Lagos, engaged with representatives from the NBA and chairmen from various branches. At this juncture, the CP affirmed the removal of the DPO and the initiation of disciplinary actions, as earlier communicated.
Of paramount importance was the elicitation of a commitment from the CP to establish a Police/Bar Committee, aimed at collaborative efforts to proactively address the burgeoning menace of lawyer harassment by police operatives in Lagos. Furthermore, the NBA members present advocated for a review of the protocol mandating lawyers to surrender their mobile phones at police premises.
Despite the CP’s visit to the Bar Centre, wherein he received the aforementioned letter in person alongside senior police officials, the planned protest march transpired as scheduled on January 11, 2024.
Presently, our Committee has dispatched a subsequent letter to the CP, soliciting the investigative report on the Olumide Sonupe incident and proposing a meeting date of February 15, 2024, to solidify plans concerning the Police/Bar Committee.
In reaffirming our commitment, we unequivocally declare that no lawyer shall endure such indignation while fulfilling their professional obligations. To this end, the Branch is finalizing arrangements to establish a dedicated helpline, ensuring immediate assistance to any member subjected to similar circumstances. Never again shall a scenario unfold wherein the advocate becomes the advocated, as exemplified in Mr. Sonupe’s case.
4. Combating Touting Activities:
It is evident that the pernicious activities of touts and fraudsters, facilitating the procurement of spurious affidavits and documents, pervade court precincts within the Ikeja Judicial Division.
Following the protest march on January 11, 2024, Committee members conducted a site visit to the High Court Registry, where the distressing sight of lawyers enduring protracted queues contrasted starkly with the preferential treatment accorded to touts by certain registry personnel.
Consequently, the Committee has drafted a robustly-worded missive to the Chief Justice of Lagos State, affirming the Branch’s unwavering resolve to combat the collusion between touts and unscrupulous registry staff.
Moreover, the Branch Chairman conveyed this steadfast commitment to the Chief Justice during the Bar and Bench meeting on January 30, 2024, prompting the prompt summoning of senior registry officials by the CJ, who sternly admonished them.
However, the Committee contends that the eradication of this menace necessitates punitive measures against the perpetrators. Accordingly, it is imperative to evict these affidavit and document touts from court precincts within the Ikeja Judicial Division.
In dissecting the root causes, the Committee identified ignorance as a significant factor, compounded by the regrettable patronage of these illicit services by some colleagues. To this end, plans are underway to launch an enlightenment campaign, underscoring the illegality of engaging touts. Additionally, the proposition of establishing a workstation at the Bar Centre, where both novice and seasoned lawyers can professionally address pertinent legal matters currently exploited by touts, is endorsed. Furthermore, the Branch is encouraged to institute a platform for mentoring new practitioners, equipping them with the requisite skills to navigate legal procedures independently, thereby deterring reliance on touts.
5. Curbing Corruption:
Corrupt practices pervade various facets of legal proceedings, encompassing the filing process, probate activities, land registry transactions, and bail condition formalities.
Lawyers are often coerced or extorted into parting with their hard-earned resources to facilitate the expeditious handling of their cases. Concrete evidence is indispensable in addressing these malpractices, necessitating proactive engagement from legal practitioners.
The Committee pledges unwavering support to lawyers who step forward to confront corruption, assuring them of steadfast collaboration until the root causes are addressed. It is imperative that legal professionals remain vigilant and report instances of malpractice promptly.
6. In Conclusion:
The Task Force/Security Agencies Relations Committee remains resolute in its commitment to upholding the integrity of the legal profession and safeguarding the rights of its practitioners. Through collaborative efforts and unwavering determination, we shall surmount the challenges that beset us, ensuring a legal landscape characterized by fairness, transparency, and accountability.
Signed,
Adeniyi Quadri, Esq., LL.M.
Chairman, Task Force/Security Agencies Relations Committee
NBA Ikeja Branch