Following the directive of the President of the Nigerian Bar Association, Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN, to the NBA Human Rights Institute to immediately monitor and follow up on the remand of Mrs. Lovinah Ugbana Benjamin, the Institute took prompt steps to engage relevant judicial and administrative authorities as well as the NBA Porthacourt branch toward securing her release.

Mrs. Lovinah Ugbana Benjamin, who was earlier remanded following proceedings before the High Court of Rivers State, Port Harcourt, was subsequently released on 26 March 2026 after the intervention of the NBA.

In furtherance of this mandate, the Institute activated its response mechanism and worked closely with the Chairman of the NBA Port Harcourt Branch, Mrs. Cordelia Eke, whose collaboration and swift engagement with relevant stakeholders contributed significantly to the resolution of the matter.

The intervention underscores the commitment of the Nigerian Bar Association to safeguarding the dignity of the legal profession and protecting the fundamental rights of legal practitioners. The NBA reiterates that while courts possess powers to punish for contempt, such powers must be exercised sparingly, judiciously, and strictly within the confines of due process.

The NBA Human Rights Institute will continue to monitor developments arising from the incident and take further steps where necessary. The Association also commends the leadership of the NBA Port Harcourt Branch and our colleagues in Port Harcourt for the prompt cooperation and support.

The Nigerian Bar Association remains resolute in defending the independence of the Bar and ensuring that no legal practitioner is subjected to intimidation or unlawful detention in the course of performing professional duties.

Sabastine Anyia
Chairman, NBA Human Rights Institute
1st Vice President, Nigerian Bar Association

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