The Police has released three lawyers, Jerry Aondo, Esq, Dr Sobere Nelson, and Odum Eyiba, Esq who were arrested in Rivers State while they were preparing a petition for the All Progressives Congress (APC) against the declaration by INEC in the just concluded gubernatorial election in the state.
The lawyers who according to report practice in Mr Tuduru Ede, SAN’s law firm in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, were arrested in a Hotel where they secured rooms and lodged for the purpose of working on the election petition.
Earlier on, the President of the Nigerian Bar Association, Mr. Yakubu Chonoko Maikyau, SAN had in a statement condemned strongly the wrongful arrest of the lawyers.
In his statement the NBA President noted
The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) strongly condemns such unwarranted harassment of lawyers in the lawful performance of their professional duties to their clients. Situations where the instrumentality of the police is apparently being used to harass and intimidate lawyers, is a direct affront to the rule of law and a threat to our democracy; it is an invitation to anarchy and chaos, as people would rather resort to self-help than approach the civil and constitutional means provided for the resolution of disputes.
I reached out to the Inspector General of Police (IGP) and the Commissioner of Police (CP) Rivers State, and I have been assured of the release of our colleagues.
We shall also take up the matter to ensure that any person(s) including police officers, who may be found complicit in the events leading to the arrest of our colleagues, is sanctioned for any possible abuse of office.
I will continue to talk with Mr Tuduru SAN and shall keep you posted on further developments in this matter.
In a subsequent statement issued by the President, he confirmed the release of the lawyers.
Distinguished Colleagues, I am happy to report to you that our colleagues, Jerry Aondo, Esq, Dr Sobere Nelson, and Odum Eyiba, Esq, have been released on their personal recognizance. Investigation is ongoing and I will continue to update you as events unfold.