At last, the prolonged delay that has jeopardized hearing of appeal filed by jailed lawyer-turned-politician, Mr. Bright Ngene, has been resolved by the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Motonmori Olatokunbo Kekere‑Ekun.

A report by the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Fact-Finding Committee on the plight of the embattled lawyer indicated that Justice Kekere‑Ekun directed that the case should be remitted to the first judge that recused himself, Justice Chuka Ajah, for hearing.

In what seems like an unprecedented move, no less than four judges had recused themselves from hearing the appeal, thereby putting Ngene in a quandary, as he was unable to know the fate of his appeal and remained incarcerated at the Enugu Correctional Centre.

The case has raised serious concerns on Nigeria’s justice delivery system and challenges that beset litigants in their bid to access justice.

It is recalled that CITY LAWYER had in a Special Report brought Ngene’s plight to the attention of justice sector stakeholders, leading NBA Section on Public Interest and Development Law (NBA-SPIDEL) Chairman, Prof. Uju Agomoh to visit Ngene at the Enugu Correctional Centre for an insight into his plight.

NBA’s intervention in his prolonged incarceration peaked when NBA President, Mr. Afam Osigwe SAN stormed the Enugu State High Court to lead Ngene’s legal team in the aborted appeal hearing.

This was followed by the setting up of the Fact-Finding Committee by the NBA National Executive Council meeting that held recently in Maiduguri. The team is led by Mr. Sammie Somiari SAN, a Port Harcourt based senior lawyer.

While Enugu State Governor, Mr. Peter Mbah denied any interference in the matter, contrary to the Allegations by Ngene, it has also emerged that security threats may have been behind the repeated recusal by succeeding judges.

The appeal has now been heard while judgement has been reserved till March 27, 2026.

Below is the full text of the report by NBA Fact-Finding Committee.

NBA Fact-Finding Committee Reports Progress on Detention of Bright Ngene, Esq. in Enugu State

Members of the Nigerian Bar Association are hereby informed of the progress made by the Fact-Finding Committee constituted to investigate the circumstances surrounding the continued detention of Bright Ngene, Esq., a member of the Enugu State Branch.

Background
At the last meeting of the National Executive Council (NEC) held in Maiduguri, Borno State, the Chairman of the Enugu State Branch brought to the attention of Council the issue of the alleged continuous unlawful detention of the learned colleague.

In a swift and proactive response, the President of the Nigerian Bar Association, Mazi Afam Osigwe, immediately constituted a seven-member Fact-Finding Committee at the NEC meeting of February 5, 2026, to investigate the matter and engage relevant stakeholders.

Composition of the Committee

The Committee is constituted as follows:

Sammie Somiari, SAN — Chairman
Musa Attah, SAN
Abdul Mohammed, SAN
Emeka Obegolu, SAN
Chidi Aroh
Venatius Odo
Osato Uwagboe — Secretary

Engagement in Enugu State

On February 18, 2026, the Committee visited Enugu State and held meetings with the Chief Judge and other judicial officers who had previously recused themselves from the matter. The Committee subsequently met with the Executive Governor, the Attorney General, and the Chief of Staff.

The Judiciary informed the Committee that the multiple recusals and reassignments in the matter were largely due to perceived threats and security concerns. While acknowledging these concerns, the Committee noted that the repeated recusals and reassignments had not only caused undue delay but had also created negative public perception regarding the administration of justice in the case.

The Chief Judge categorically denied receiving any directive from the Executive Governor or any member of the Executive Council concerning the matter. Following communication from the Supreme Court of Nigeria through the Chief Justice of Nigeria, the case was reassigned to the original trial judge and fixed for hearing on February 20, 2026.

The Committee reiterated that the repeated reassignments and delays significantly contributed to the prolonged detention and slow progress of the appeal process.

Visit to the Correctional Facility

The Committee also visited Bright Ngene, Esq., at the Nigerian Correctional Service facility. He alleged procedural irregularities in his trial, confirmed that he had filed an appeal and an application for bail pending appeal, and expressed concern over delays in the hearing of his matter.

Engagement with the Executive

In its meeting with the Governor, the Executive assured the Committee of its non-interference in the administration of justice and confirmed that the appeal had been assigned a hearing date. The Committee urged all relevant authorities to ensure that no further delays occur and resolved to maintain a watching brief on the matter in the interest of justice and professional protection.

On the date fixed for hearing, all parties adopted their arguments, while a member of the Committee held a watching brief on behalf of the NBA.

The matter has now been adjourned to March 27, 2026, for judgment.

The Nigerian Bar Association remains committed to safeguarding the rights of its members and upholding the integrity of the justice system.

Signed,

Osato Uwagboe
Secretary, Fact-Finding Committee

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