Port Harcourt-based lawyer, Mr. Kelvin Okorie, who was detained by the Nigerian Navy for over three months, has regained his freedom, thanks to the intervention of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA). Mr. Okorie, accompanied by his brother, Deacon Nnamdi Eze, visited the NBA leadership in Abuja on January 13, 2025, to express heartfelt gratitude for the Association’s unwavering support throughout his ordeal.
During his visit, Mr. Okorie was received by the NBA President, Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN, alongside senior members of the NBA National Executive Council. Those in attendance included Dr. Mobolaji Ojibara (General Secretary), Blessing Poromo (Treasurer), Auta Nyada (Welfare Secretary), Henry Barnabas Ehi (Assistant General Secretary), Isah Abubakar Aliyu (Secretary, National Litigation Committee), and Barbara Omosun (Chief of Staff to the President).
Mr. Okorie’s detention ended following a strategic intervention led by Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN, on January 7, 2025. The NBA President, along with members of the National Executive Council and the National Litigation Committee, engaged the Chief of Defense Staff, General C.G. Musa, advocating for Mr. Okorie’s release. The concerted efforts bore fruit, resulting in his freedom and a heartfelt reunion
In an emotional address, Mr. Okorie expressed his gratitude to the NBA, describing the Association as his pillar of support:
“My kidnapping by some men of the Nigerian Navy has indeed shown me how important the NBA is. I pledge to take my Bar activities seriously and avail myself to the NBA in any way I can help. In my 19 years as a lawyer, I have never felt this valuable and important. I am indeed proud and the happiest. Thank you, Mr. President.”
Recounting his experience, Mr. Okorie revealed the inhumane treatment he suffered during detention, which stemmed from his refusal to breach client confidentiality.
In response,Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN, reassured Mr. Okorie of the NBA’s continued support and encouraged him to seek legal redress for the violations he endured, if he so desired. The President emphasized the importance of ensuring that no lawyer faces such violations in the future:
“We must ensure this does not happen to any other lawyer.”
He also urged Mr. Okorie to take time to rest and reconnect with his family after the harrowing experience.
By standing firm in its defense of Mr. Okorie, the NBA affirmed its role as a champion of justice and a bulwark for the legal profession in Nigeria.
It is hoped that NBA extends this practical demonstration of its commitment to protecting the rights and dignity of its members to put an end to the various humiliations and unwarranted harassments faced by lawyers in Nigeria in the hands of other law enforcement agencies, particularly the Nigerian Police Force.