Protest hits NBA conference over jailed Labour Party lawmaker

Protesters stormed the venue of the  ongoing Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Annual General Conference in Enugu  on Monday as they demanded the release of  Bright Ngene, a Labour Party lawmaker representing Enugu South Urban Constituency in the state House of Assembly.

Ngene is currently serving a seven-year prison sentence following a conviction by a magistrate court over a community-related dispute. His supporters, however, allege that the conviction is politically motivated and part of a broader effort to silence opposition voices in the state.

The protesters, who gathered near the International Conference Centre, the venue of the NBA event, held placards reading:

“Release Bar. Bright Ngene Now – A Political Prisoner of Conscience”

“NBA, Please Save Our Democracy”

They accused the Enugu State judiciary of delaying Ngene’s appeal, pointing out that at least two judges had recused themselves from the case, which remains unassigned at the High Court.

Speaking to journalists, protest leader Benedict Kachukwu described Ngene’s imprisonment, which began in July 2024, as a “clear case of injustice,” calling on senior lawyers and the NBA to intervene.

“Due process was not followed in his trial. We urge the NBA to use this conference to champion justice and democratic integrity,” Kachukwu stated.

Security operatives prevented the protesters from entering the conference venue, but they continued their peaceful demonstration around the premises before dispersing without incident.

The protest has raised fresh concerns about judicial independence, political influence in the legal system, and the role of the NBA in defending the rule of law.