The case of Ms. Uduak Adams came up before the Magistrate Court 2, Bode Thomas, Surulere, Lagos, today, Tuesday, 17th October, 2023 and members of the Human Rights Committee, NBA Lagos, were in court to hold watching brief for her as the Complainant, having obtained her consent to do so.
Present in Court today were the Prosecutor, the two Defendants, the 1st Defendant’s Counsel, the Complainant (Ms. Adams- our client) and members of the Nigerian Bar Association, holding watching brief for the Complainant and ably represented by the 3rd Vice President, NBA – Mandy Asagba, Vice Chairman, NBA Lagos/Chairperson Human Rights Committee – Esther Jimoh, members of the Human Rights Committee – Anene Nwadukwe, Maduka Onwukeme and Oluwafemi Adeniyi; and Kelechi Attamah and Cynthia Unanka (friends of the Complainant).
The trial, unfortunately, could not go on as the Court was yet to receive the DPP’s advice and as such lacked the jurisdiction to proceed. The 1st Defendant’s bail application was also not taken and on the advice of the Magistrate, same was withdrawn to be re-filed at the State High Court.
The matter was consequently adjourned to November 21, 2023 for DPP’s advice.
After the Court sitting, the Complainant was seen off to her place to ensure her safety having complained of being threatened by some of the perpetrators of the mob violence.
Her safety was further guaranteed by the Committee with a promise that same will not be compromised during this trial as adequate arrangements would be made for her movement to and from the Court on any Court sitting day and that the police would also be informed of the present threats to her wellbeing.
Although, the Complainant – Ms. Uduak intimated the Committee of her immediate plans, she was advised to discuss with the various leadership of the various stakeholders at the Bar before she made any move about those plans.
Above all, Ms. Uduak was very grateful seeing the large number of lawyers who came despite the rain and expressed her deep appreciation to them all.
The Committee hereby assures that it would continue to follow up with the DPP until his advise is transmitted.
James Sonde
Chair, Media & Publicity Sub-Committee
Human Rights Committee
NBA Lagos Branch.