Nigerian Bar Association Inaugurates Committee to Investigate Assault Allegation Against Chairman
The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Gombe State branch, has inaugurated a seven-member committee to investigate an allegation of assault on its chairman, Benjamin Sati, by an Inspector of Police, Kabiru Ibrahim.
The incident, which occurred on Wednesday, September 14, 2023, at a bank in Gombe, has sparked outrage among lawyers and the general public.
According to Sati, he was accosted by Ibrahim while parking his car in the bank’s premises. Ibrahim reportedly called Sati stupid for parking in the wrong space and threatened to arrest him.
Sati said he tried to explain that he was the NBA chairman in the state and that he was only parking for a few minutes, but Ibrahim refused to listen. The police officer eventually ordered Sati to move his car, but Sati refused.
Sati said Ibrahim then got out of his car and assaulted him. The police officer reportedly punched Sati in the face and kicked him in the stomach.
Sati’s claims were corroborated by eyewitnesses, including other lawyers and bank employees.
The NBA, Gombe State branch, has condemned the alleged assault on Sati and called for a thorough investigation. The branch has also demanded that Ibrahim be suspended from duty pending the outcome of the investigation.
On Friday, September 16, 2023, the NBA, Gombe State branch, inaugurated a seven-member committee to investigate the allegation of assault against Sati. The committee is headed by Barrister Auwalu Uba Ibrahim, a senior member of the bar.
Other members of the committee include Barrister Fatima Buba, Barrister Aliyu Isa, Barrister Mary Gombe, Barrister Danjuma Barde, Barrister Yusuf Maiyaki, and Barrister Yakubu Jauro.
The committee has one week to submit its findings and recommendations to the NBA, Gombe State branch.
The NBA, Gombe State branch, has expressed confidence in the ability of the committee to carry out a thorough and impartial investigation. The branch has also called on all stakeholders to cooperate with the committee in ensuring that justice is done.
Implications of the Alleged Assault on Sati
The alleged assault on Sati has a number of implications for the legal profession and the Nigerian society as a whole.
First, it raises concerns about the safety and security of lawyers. Lawyers are essential to the administration of justice and they play a vital role in protecting the rights of citizens. However, the alleged assault on Sati shows that lawyers are not immune to violence and harassment.
Second, the alleged assault undermines the public’s trust in the police force. The police are tasked with protecting the public and upholding the law. However, the alleged assault on Sati shows that some police officers are willing to abuse their power and violate the rights of citizens.
Third, the alleged assault damages the reputation of Nigeria. Nigeria is a democracy and the rule of law is essential to the functioning of a democracy. However, the alleged assault on Sati shows that there is still a culture of impunity in Nigeria and that some people are above the law.
The investigation into the alleged assault on Sati is an opportunity for Nigeria to address these issues. The outcome of the investigation will send a strong message about whether or not the government is committed to protecting the rights of all citizens, including lawyers.
Conclusion
The alleged assault on Sati is a serious matter that must be thoroughly investigated. The Nigerian Bar Association, Gombe State branch, has taken the right step in inaugurating a committee to investigate the allegations.
The outcome of the investigation is expected to have a significant impact on the legal profession and the Nigerian society as a whole. The investigation will also be a test of the government’s commitment to the rule of law and the protection of human rights.
