The Nigerian Bar Association has denounced the alleged assault and maltreatment of one of its members, Saminu Na’iloka, by police officers at the Damagum Divisional Police Headquarters in Fune Local Government Area of Yobe State.
The incident reportedly occurred on February 23, 2026, when the lawyer visited the station to represent a client who was in custody.
In a petition dated Tuesday and addressed to the Yobe State Commissioner of Police, Emmanuel Ado, the Chairman of the NBA Damaturu Branch, Ahmad Khalil, described the alleged attack as a serious breach of constitutional protections and a threat to the justice system.
According to Khalil, the lawyer was at the station strictly in his professional capacity when the incident happened.
“Mr. Saminu was present at the Damagum Police Station in the lawful discharge of his duties as counsel to a detained client when he was allegedly beaten and assaulted by officers on duty,” he stated.
The branch further alleged that the Divisional Police Officer, CSP Muhammad Baffah, along with other personnel at the station, subjected the legal practitioner to hostility, physical assault, and degrading treatment within the premises.
“Our member sustained multiple injuries and suffered damage to his personal belongings during the unwarranted attack,” Khalil said.
He added that if verified, the actions would amount to violations of the lawyer’s fundamental rights, including the right to dignity, personal liberty, and fair hearing.
“An attack on a lawyer while performing his professional duties undermines the rule of law and erodes public confidence in the justice system,” he noted.
The NBA called for an immediate, independent, and transparent investigation into the matter. It also demanded the suspension of any officers found culpable, disciplinary measures in accordance with the Police Act, and prosecution where necessary.
Khalil urged the police command to provide a written response within one week of receiving the petition.
“The NBA remains resolute in its commitment to protecting legal practitioners and upholding the rule of law,” he said.
Reacting to the development, the Police Public Relations Officer in Yobe State, SP Dungus Abdulkarim, confirmed that the matter was under investigation.
“The case is currently being investigated, and the Commissioner of Police is meeting with NBA officials in Damaturu to address the issue,” he said.
