Imo crisis: NBA set up help desk, moves to release illegal detainees

The Nigeria Bar Association (NBA), Imo State chapter has set up a human rights help desk with a view to push for release of citizens who were considered innocent, but have been detained by security agents.

In a statement by Barrister Uzor Enwere, Publicity Secretary of the NBA, Owerri, said the association had met with the State Commissioner of Police, and the Security Adviser to the governor and the outcome was heartwarming.

The statement which was obtained by CAPITAL POST in Abuja on Friday, urged relatives of detainees who felt their children were unjustly arrested to approach the Bar Centre in Owerri with complaints.

The statement reads: “Sequel to the meeting with the Commissioner of Police and the Security Adviser to the Governor, it’s heart warming to report that a help desk has now been set up at the Bar Centre to collate the names of innocent Imolites unjustly arrested and detained by the Nigeria Police for the purpose of securing their release.

“The Bar, through its committee on Human Rights will anchor and coordinate the help desk at the Bar center to entertain complaints on unlawful arrest and detention of Imolites.

“Complaints received will be taken up with the appropriate quarters in order to secure the release of these detainees; considering that the Courts are not sitting owing to the JUSUN strike.

“This approach is dictated by the precarious security situation in Imo State at the moment which has the semblance of war situation. The outcome of our interactions reveal that there is more to the situation than meets the eye.

“The Human Rights help desk of the Bar will open from tomorrow, 4th day of June,2021 at the Bar centre from 10am or so soon thereafter.”