The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has pledged to pursue legal action against the police officers who arrested three lawyers preparing a petition challenging the outcome of the Rivers governorship election. The announcement was made in a statement signed by NBA President Yakubu Maikyau, SAN, and released on Saturday.
Maikyau condemned the “unwarranted harassment of lawyers in the lawful performance of their professional duties to their clients.” He noted that, although police authorities have assured him of the lawyers’ release, the NBA will ensure that those responsible for the arrests are held accountable.
The detained lawyers—Jerry Aondo, Dr. Sobere Nelson and Odum Eyiba—represent Tonye Cole of the All Progressives Congress. While working on the petition in a hotel in Port Harcourt, they were arrested by police. All three practice at Mr. Tuduru Ede, SAN’s law firm in Rivers State and had secured rooms in the hotel specifically for the assignment.
The statement further explained that the lawyers were preparing a petition against the Independent National Electoral Commission’s declaration of the recent gubernatorial election results. Maikyau confirmed the incident with Mr. Tuduru Ede, SAN, and reiterated the NBA’s condemnation of the police’s apparent use of intimidation against lawyers. He warned that such actions undermine the rule of law, threaten democracy, and could lead to anarchy by pushing people toward self‑help rather than constitutional dispute resolution.
Maikyau said he has contacted the Inspector General of Police and the Rivers State Commissioner of Police, who have promised the lawyers’ release. He added that the NBA will pursue sanctions against any individuals, including police officers, found complicit in the arrests. He will continue to liaise with Mr. Tuduru Ede and will keep the public informed of further developments.
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