Ben Ezechime, Enugu
The International Conference Center (ICC), Enugu, venue of the ongoing Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Conference, was on Monday invaded by a large number of protesters who stormed the premises demanding the release of an imprisoned NBA member and lawmaker in the Enugu State House of Assembly, Hon. Bright Ngene.
Ngene, who represented Enugu South Urban Constituency on the platform of the Labour Party (LP), was sentenced to seven years’ imprisonment by an Enugu Magistrates’ Court over a resurrected community matter widely believed to be politically motivated.
The protesters, mostly from his constituency, alleged that all attempts to appeal the magistrate court’s decision at the state High Court had failed, claiming that powerful interests were interfering in the case.
Carrying placards with inscriptions such as “Release Barr. Bright Ngene Now,” “A Political Prisoner of Conscience,” “Say No to Miscarriage of Justice,” “NBA Is the Voice of the Voiceless, Speak Now,” “Enugu State Judiciary Must Be Independent,” “Save Our Democracy,” and “The People’s Choice Is Not a Crime, Free Bright Ngene,” the demonstrators urged the NBA to intervene.
One of the leaders of the protest, Mr. Benedict Kachukwu, while addressing newsmen, said: “We are here to register our peaceful protest and tell the world what has been happening in Enugu State for the past one year. Since July 28, 2024, Hon. Bright Emeka Ngene, who won the Enugu South Urban House of Assembly seat, has been unjustly incarcerated.
“The charges against him were baseless, judicial processes were not followed, and in less than two weeks judgment was delivered. Since then, he has remained in detention. Attempts to get the matter before the High Court have failed because judges keep recusing themselves. The Chief Judge has refused to assign the case to a new judge. So, this man has been in prison for no just cause—all because he won an election.”
Kachukwu further alleged that Ngene, even from detention, reaffirmed his mandate when he again won overwhelmingly during a re-run election held on August 16, 2025.
He continued: “We are pleading with the NBA to look into this matter so that due judicial process will be followed. We are not afraid of the judicial process; whatever the outcome, we will accept. But as it stands, the case is in limbo. Several judges have recused themselves. On March 11, 2025, one judge who had requested the lower court’s judgment suddenly withdrew from the case. Since then, the matter has not been reassigned. That means Hon. Bright Ngene has been languishing in prison for nothing.
“This is the height of injustice. We cry that the South East is being marginalised, yet we are marginalising ourselves. It is unfair and dangerous for our democracy. We have written to every organ of the NBA, but there has been no response. As we speak, Barr. Monday Ubani and Femi Falana (SAN) are aware of this case. Top SANs present at this conference are aware. We have done all we could, and that is why we are here—to beg, not to fight. Please let this man be freed so he can represent the people who voted for him.”
The protesters were prevented from gaining access to the main hall of the ICC, where the NBA conference is ongoing, but they carried out their peaceful demonstration around the arena before dispersing.
