NBA: No Lawyers Among Protesters Opposing EFCC’s Prosecution of Yahaya Bello

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has denied any affiliation with a group of protesters claiming to represent lawyers in a demonstration against the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission’s (EFCC) handling of former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello’s case. The NBA clarified that the protesters, who gathered at the Supreme Court complex on Monday, are not associated with their organization.

On Monday, about 500 individuals rallied at the Supreme Court complex, opposing the EFCC’s attempt to arrest the former governor. The protesters, under the banner of “judicial watchdogs,” criticized the EFCC for attempting to arrest Yahaya Bello despite a court order prohibiting such action.

In a statement released on Tuesday, NBA National Publicity Secretary Habeeb Lawal stated that the NBA respects the right to protest but insisted that the group involved in the demonstration does not consist of lawyers. He further noted that the name of the group’s leader, Sylvanus K. Alewu, was not recognized by the NBA.

“The Nigerian Bar Association is aware of reports about a protest involving so-called lawyers. Please be informed that while the NBA supports citizens’ rights to peaceful assembly, we do not recognize this group as lawyers. Additionally, the name Sylvanus K. Alewu is not known to us,” said Lawal in the statement.

The NBA’s clarification follows the public outcry and media coverage surrounding the protests. The association’s position underscores the importance of verifying the legitimacy of groups claiming to represent professional bodies during public demonstrations.