NBA YENAGOA VOWS TO FIGHT AGAINST POLICE BRUTALITY AS 2026 LAW WEEK KICKS OFF

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Yenagoa Branch, has expressed deep concern over the rising cases of police brutality across Nigeria, declaring that the branch will continue to confront the menace without reservation through the instrumentality of the law.

This position was made by the Chairman of NBA Yenagoa Branch, Mr. Clement Bibisa Kekemeke, during a World Press Conference on Friday, May 29, 2026, at the Penthouse, Main High Court Complex, Yenagoa, to herald the commencement of the 2026 NBA Yenagoa Law Week.

Kekemeke noted that lawyers have not been spared from the growing trend of police brutality, just like other citizens.

He welcomed the recent constitution of a Civilian Oversight Board by the Nigerian Police Force across state commands to monitor the Violent Crimes Response Unit (VCRU), revealing that the Vice Chairman of the Yenagoa Branch, who doubles as Chairman of the Human Rights Committee, has been appointed into the board in Bayelsa State.

The 2026 Law Week is themed “Securing the Future”, with a focus on the legal profession’s role as custodians of constitutional order, guardians of liberty, and architects of institutional stability.

A major highlight of the week is the Plenary Session scheduled for Friday, June 5, 2026, at the Nigerian Content Development Monitoring Board (NCDMB) Conference Hall.

Former President Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, GCFR, GCON, will chair the session, while renowned Kenyan scholar and anti-corruption advocate, Professor PLO Lumumba, will deliver the keynote address on “Sustainable National Assets Protection in Africa: Opportunities, Risks and Regulatory Pathways.”

The panel discussion will centre on “National Assets Protection: Nigeria’s Shared Responsibility,” featuring high-profile participants including Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, PhD (Minister of State for Petroleum Resources), Vice Admiral Idi Abbas (Chief of Naval Staff), Chief Dr. Samuel Ogbuku (MD/CEO, NDDC), Dele Adesina, SAN, and other notable figures.

Kekemeke expressed profound gratitude to Governor Senator Douye Diri and the Bayelsa State Government for their consistent support, the Chief Judge of Bayelsa State, Hon. Justice Matilda Abrakasa Ayemieye, the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Hon. Biriyai Dambo, SAN, and several other stakeholders for their contributions to the success of the Law Week.

Other activities lined up include the annual Law Dinner on Saturday, June 6, 2026, at Masc Haven Event Centre, a free legal clinic in collaboration with Yenagoa-Ovom Community, and a visit to Martha’s Home for the Elderly.

The Chairman commended the Law Week Committee, led by Jude Amiditor Rex-Ogbuku, and the entire branch for their commitment to excellence and members’ welfare.

Reported by Bright Okpo