NBA reacts to beating, abuse of Yobe lawyer by police

The Nigerian Bar Association has condemned the alleged beating, abuse, and assault of one of its members, Saminu Na’iloka, by officers of the Damagum Divisional Police Headquarters in Fune Local Government Area of Yobe State while he was discharging his professional duties.

The association said Saminu was beaten and subjected to degrading treatment on February 23, 2026, when he visited the station to represent a client in custody.

The condemnation was contained in a petition signed on Tuesday in Damaturu by the Chairman of the NBA Damaturu Branch, Ahmad Khalil, and copied to the Yobe State Commissioner of Police, Emmanuel Ado.

In the petition, Khalil described the alleged assault as “a flagrant violation of constitutional rights and an attack on the administration of justice and fair play between the two parties.”

He stated, “Mr Saminu was at the Damagum Police Station in the lawful discharge of his professional duties as counsel to a detained client when he was beaten and allegedly assaulted by some policemen at the station.”

The branch alleged that the Divisional Police Officer, CSP Muhammad Baffah, and other officers under his command subjected the lawyer to hostility, physical assault, and degrading treatment within the station’s premises.

“Our member sustained multiple injuries, as well as the destruction of his personal effects and property, during the unwarranted assault,” Khalil said.

He added, “If these allegations are confirmed, the actions would amount to violations of the constitutional rights to dignity, personal liberty, and a fair hearing in a court of law.”

The association emphasised that interfering with a lawyer performing his professional duties undermines the rule of law and erodes public confidence in the justice system.

It demanded an immediate, independent, and transparent investigation into the incident, calling for the suspension of any officers found to be involved, appropriate disciplinary action in line with the Nigeria Police Act, and prosecution where criminal liability is established.

Khalil also requested a written response from the police command within one week of receiving the petition.

“The NBA remains committed to defending the rule of law and ensuring the protection of legal practitioners in the discharge of their duties,” he said.

Reacting, the Police Public Relations Officer in the state, SP Dungus Abdulkarim, confirmed the incident to the newsmen, adding that the matter was under investigation.

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“The case is being investigated. The Commissioner of Police is meeting with NBA officials in Damaturu over the issue,” he said.