Human rights lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Femi Falana, has called on the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) to take stronger action against the illegal arrest and detention of citizens across the country.
Falana has repeatedly used the NBA’s 66th Annual General Conference in Port Harcourt to raise concerns about the state of the rule of law and the protection of fundamental rights in Nigeria.
The senior lawyer has argued that the legal profession has an important responsibility to defend constitutional rights and ensure that government institutions remain accountable.
His latest position comes amid broader discussions at the NBA conference about judicial independence, democratic governance and access to justice.
Falana has also criticised the NBA over its decision to invite former Liberian President George Weah to address the conference, arguing that lawyers should be cautious about giving platforms to political leaders whose administrations have been accused of undermining democratic institutions.
The human rights lawyer alleged that during Weah’s presidency, Liberia’s judiciary was weakened and citizens were forced to seek legal redress outside the country.
Falana cited cases in which, according to him, judgments of the ECOWAS Court were allegedly disregarded by the Liberian government.
His wider argument is that respect for the rule of law must remain central to democratic governance and that lawyers should play a leading role in defending citizens whose fundamental rights are violated.
Falana has previously spoken extensively about unlawful detention in Nigeria, including concerns over the use of executive powers to restrict citizens’ liberty.
He has maintained that the Constitution protects citizens’ rights to personal liberty and fair hearing and that law-enforcement agencies must operate within the boundaries established by law.
The latest call therefore comes amid continuing debate over police powers, detention practices and the responsibility of lawyers and professional bodies to protect citizens from abuses of state authority.
Falana’s intervention adds to growing calls for stronger institutional safeguards and greater accountability in Nigeria’s criminal justice system.