The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has strongly condemned the assault on a female National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member, Jennifer Elobor, serving in Anambra State, asserting that the arrest of the perpetrators is not enough, as they must also be prosecuted for the inhumane act.
In a viral video circulating on social media, operatives of the state’s vigilante group known as “Operation Udo-ga-achi” were seen arriving at the lodge housing corps members in Oba, Idemili South Local Government Area of the state, where they assaulted Elobor and tore her clothes in the process.
In a statement jointly signed by the NBA President, Mazi Afam Osigwe, and General Secretary, Dr. Mobolaji Ojibara, on Tuesday, the Association described the incident as “degrading” and “inhumane”.
“The incident, which left her beaten and her clothing torn off, is nothing short of degrading, inhumane, and a direct violation of her dignity and fundamental human rights as guaranteed by the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Nobody, whether suspected of an offence or entirely innocent, deserves to be subjected to such barbaric treatment.
“The NBA notes that while security agencies have the mandate to apprehend criminals and maintain law and order, such powers must never be exercised in a manner that tramples upon the rights of innocent citizens.
“Even where an arrest is to be effected, the law provides clear procedures to ensure that the dignity of the individual is protected. The conduct displayed in the video, a young corps member beaten and stripped of her clothing, is a complete negation of those safeguards and an affront to human decency,” the statement reads in part.
The NBA commended the Anambra State Government for its swift action in identifying and arresting the operatives responsible, noting that the decisive move reflects commendable responsiveness to public outrage.
“However, accountability must not stop at arrest. The NBA insists that the perpetrators must be promptly and diligently prosecuted in accordance with the law. Justice must not only be done but must be seen to be done, to serve as both redress for Ms. Elobor and deterrence against similar abuses in the future,” the Association said.
It stressed the urgent need for comprehensive training, reorientation, and continuous capacity-building of security operatives, adding that respect for human rights, professionalism, and restraint must be embedded in their conduct at all times.
The NBA called on the state government to ensure that effective mechanisms are put in place to prevent the recurrence of such violations and to reassure citizens that the forces meant to protect them do not become agents of abuse.
The statement added: “The NBA branches in Anambra State and the National Litigation Committee are hereby directed to closely monitor this incident to ensure justice is served. We reaffirm our commitment to defending the rule of law, safeguarding human dignity, and ensuring justice for Ms. Elobor.”
