In a significant development, Kelvin Okorie, Esq., has been released from police custody following the intervention of activists and the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA). Okorie, who was initially detained by the Nigerian Navy, was transferred to the Nigeria Police earlier today, January 11, 2025.
The breakthrough followed a high-level meeting on January 7, 2025, between the NBA President, Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN, and the Chief of Defence Staff, during which Osigwe demanded Okorie’s immediate release. He emphasized that if there were any allegations against Okorie, he should be formally charged in court. This intervention led to Okorie’s transfer to police custody and paved the way for his release.
Recall that Kelvin Okorie had been in detention since September 10, 2024, when he was arrested by the Nigerian Navy. Despite securing bail from a Vacation Court of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory on January 2, 2025, the conditions for his release were yet to be implemented.
The bail ruling, issued by Hon. Justice Mohammed Zubairu, set bail at Ten Million Naira, with a requirement for one surety, who must be a Grade Level 14 Federal Civil Servant. The bail application and a Fundamental Rights suit were initiated by Kunle Edun, SAN, and Vincent Adodo, Esq., supported by two civil society organizations. The ex-parte motion, argued by Samuel Ihensekhien Jnr., was crucial in securing the court’s decision.
The NBA’s National Litigation Committee also played a vital role in ensuring Okorie’s release. Members, including B.O. Nafagha, Israel Elijah, and the committee’s secretary, Isah Abubakar Aliyu, were present at the police station during the release process. Mr. Aliyu confirmed that Okorie has been safely reunited with his family.
This swift intervention by the NBA highlights its unwavering commitment to upholding the rule of law and defending legal rights in Nigeria. It serves as a testament to the association’s dedication to ensuring due process and preventing unjust detentions without formal charges. The NBA’s proactive efforts in this case underscore its vital role in promoting justice and safeguarding human rights across the country.