The Department of State Services (DSS) has released the Managing Director of the Nigerian Bar Association’s (NBA) election service provider following his arrest and detention ahead of the association’s national elections.

Confirming the development on its official X handle, NBA wrote: “The development came as the National Executive Council (NEC) of the NBA reaffirmed that the 2026 National Officers and General Council of the Bar (GCB) elections will be held as scheduled on Saturday, July 18.”

NEC reached the decision at its virtual emergency meeting on Thursday, July 16, 2026, during which members unanimously reaffirmed their commitment to constitutional governance, institutional independence, and the preservation of the association’s democratic processes.

The Electoral Committee of the Nigerian Bar Association (ECNBA), which briefed the council on preparations for the poll, said it remained ready to conduct a free, fair, transparent and credible election.

According to the committee, there was no operational or logistical basis for postponing the election, as all necessary arrangements remained on course.

NEC had earlier condemned the arrest and detention of the Managing Director of the NBA’s election service provider, describing the development as troubling and demanding his immediate and unconditional release.

The council said no external interference or unforeseen circumstances should be allowed to derail the electoral timetable approved by the association.

Following the election service provider’s subsequent release, the NBA said the election remained uninterrupted and would proceed on Saturday as scheduled.

NEC called on all eligible members of the Bar to remain calm and participate peacefully in the election, while urging all relevant authorities to respect the association’s autonomy and refrain from actions that could interfere with its democratic processes.

The resolution followed extensive deliberations by the NBA NEC, the Association’s highest decision-making body between Annual General Meetings.

The Council comprises Past Presidents of the NBA, the President, the General Secretary, Branch Chairmen, Branch Secretaries, Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SANs), co-opted members, and other statutory members.

By this resolution, NEC reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that the electoral process proceeds in accordance with the approved timetable and encouraged all eligible members to participate peacefully while upholding the democratic ideals and integrity of the Nigerian Bar Association.

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