The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Ibadan Branch today stormed the Iyaganku office of Economic and Financial Crimes (EFCC) to press for the release of its member detained by the anti-graft agency.

A statement by the branch chairman, Mr. Ibrahim Lawal, had noted that the branch “received with great displeasure the illegal and unlawful detention of one of our colleagues, Philip Tunji Ojo who was arrested today 21st August, 2024 for going about his lawful duty as a legal practitioner while following the Bailiff of the court to effect service of court process on EFCC.”

Lawal stated that “It is against this background that we demand for the immediate release of our colleague together with his personal belongings.

“However, in the event that our demands are not met, I Ibrahim LAWAL Esq., will be leading our colleagues to the EFCC office tomorrow morning for them to have more lawyers to arrest and detain.”

Below is the full text of the statement.

Distinguished Learned Silks, Seniors and Colleagues,

Good Evening.

*The Executive Committee of the Nigeria Bar Association Ibadan Branch, received with great displeasure the illegal and unlawful detention of one of our colleagues, Philip Tunji Ojo who was arrested today 21st August, 2024 for going about his lawful duty as a legal practitioner while following the Bailiff of the court to effect service of court process on EFCC.

It is important to say that the unholy acts of the EFCC Ibadan Command towards lawyers was one of the reason the immediate past executive of the bar under the chairmanship of Mrs Folasade Aladeniyi met with the commission but the meeting has yielded no result as the act of disrespect to lawyers continues without measure.

It is against this background that we demand for the immediate release of our colleague together with his personal belongings.

However, in the event that our demands are not met, I Ibrahim LAWAL Esq., will be leading our colleagues to the EFCC office tomorrow morning for them to have more lawyers to arrest and detain.

I am also imploring all our members to be prepared to join me tomorrow fully robed.

An injury to one is an injury to all.

With professional regards.

IBRAHIM LAWAL Esq.
Chairman, NBA, Ibadan Branch.