The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has strongly condemned the brutal assault on Ms. Jennifer Elobor, a National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member serving in Anambra State. The shocking incident, where Ms. Elobor was beaten and had her clothing torn off by security operatives, has been described by the NBA as degrading, inhumane, and a gross violation of her dignity and fundamental human rights guaranteed by the Nigerian Constitution.
In a statement released by NBA President Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN, and General Secretary Dr. Mobolaji Ojibara, the association insisted that no individual whether a suspect or innocent deserves such barbaric treatment. The NBA emphasized the mandate of security agencies to maintain law and order, but underscored that this mandate must never be abused to trample on citizens’ rights.
“The conduct exhibited in the video of a young corps member being beaten and stripped is a complete negation of legal safeguards and an affront to human decency,” the NBA declared. The association commended the Anambra State Government for swiftly arresting the operatives responsible, acknowledging the government’s responsiveness to public outrage.
However, the NBA stressed that arrest alone is insufficient. “Justice must not only be done but must be seen to be done,” Osigwe asserted, urging prompt and diligent prosecution of the perpetrators to provide redress to Ms. Elobor and deter future abuses. The association further called for comprehensive reorientation, training, and continuous capacity-building of security forces to embed respect for human rights and professionalism.
To ensure accountability, the NBA branches in Anambra State along with the National Litigation Committee have been tasked to closely monitor developments and ensure justice prevails. The association reaffirmed its commitment to upholding the rule of law and safeguarding human dignity in Nigeria.
This incident has reignited concerns about security operatives' conduct and shines a spotlight on the urgent need for reform to prevent such atrocities from recurring in the future.