The Damaturu branch of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has condemned an alleged assault on one of its members, Muhammad Muhammad Saminu, by officers of the Damagum Divisional Police Headquarters in Yobe State.
According to the association, the assault on Saminu occurred on February 23, 2026, while discharging his professional duties to a client in distress.
The condemnations were made in a petition signed on Tuesday in Damaturu by the NBA branch Chairman, Ahmad Khalil, and copied to the State Police Commissioner, Emmanuel Ado.
Khalil in the petition, described the alledged assault as, “a flagrant violation of constitutional rights and and an attack on the administration of justice and fair play to the two parties.”
On how Saminu was assaulted, the chairman in the petition stated: ” Mr. Saminu was at the Damagum Police Station in the lawful discharge of his professional duties as counsel to a detained client, when he was allegedly assaulted by some policemen at the Damagum Police Station.
The Damaturu branch of the NBA claimed that the Divisional Police Officer (DPO), CSP Muhammad Abdullahi Baffah, and other officers under his command subjected the lawyer to hostility with physical assault, and degrading treatment within the station’s premises.
Khalil further alledged: “Our member sustained multiple injuries and the destruction of his personal effects and property during the unwarranted assault on Saminu.”
The chairman also stated: “If these allegations are confirmed, the actions would amount to violations of the constitutional rights to dignity, personal liberty, and a fair hearing in a court of law.”
The association emphasised that interfering with a lawyer performing professional duties undermines the rule of law and public confidence in the justice system of the country.
The NBA branch demanded an immediate, independent, and transparent investigation into the matter.
Khalil called for a suspension of officers found to be involved, appropriate disciplinary action in line with the Nigerian Police Act, and prosecution where criminal liability is established.
The Association further requested a written response from the police command in a week.
The NBA reiterated its commitment to defending the rule of law and ensuring the protection of legal practitioners in the discharge of their duties.
“Unfolding developments are expected, as the Yobe State Police Command responds to the petition already submitted to Ado..
Reacting, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Dungus Abdulkarim said the case is being investigated, as the commissioner of police is meeting with the NBA officials on Tuesday in Damaturu.
