Assault On NYSC Member: Soludo Must Prosecute Vigilante Operatives- NBA

The Nigerian Bar Association ,NBA, has called for the arrest and prosecution of vigilantes operatives in Anambra state involved in the assault on a member of the National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, Jennifer Elobor.

The NBA in a statement by its President, Afam Osigwe, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, SAN, urged the state government to ensure that the operatives were seriously sanctioned for attacking the NYSC member.

The development followed a viral video, on Tuesday, showing the state vigilante operatives attacking Miss Elobor and other corps members, at the Corpers Lodge where they were resident, after they were allegedly accused of being internet fraudsters.

Elobor was beaten and stripped naked by security operatives, while being arrested by the opeartives, an action that attracted serious condemnations from not a few Nigerians, including Peter Obi, the 2023 Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party, LP, who said he was ashamed and heartbroken over the cruel act melted on Elobor by the state’s vigilante operatives.

Reacting, NBA said the action of the operatives was in violation of the fundamental human rights of the corper, an “inhumane and degrading” treatment that should not be condoned in any descent society, adding that the arrest should have been done in a more civilised manner even if Elobor was found to have committed the alleged offence.

The NBA however applauded the state government for acting swiftly by arresting the operatives involved, noting that their prosecution must be made public to ensure that justice is not only done, but seen to have been done by Nigerians.

It has therefore directed the Anambra state chapter of the NYSC to follow up on the issue to ensure that the victims get justice, and those found to have violated their rights be made accountable for their actions.  

Part of the statement: “Nobody, whether suspected of an offence or entirely innocent, deserves to be subjected to such barbaric treatment,

“Even where an arrest is to be made, the law provides clear procedures to ensure that the dignity of the individual is protected,

“Justice must not only be done but must be seen to be done, to serve as redress for Ms. Elobor and a deterrent against similar abuses in the future.

Meanwhile, the magazine reports that the Charles Soludo-led administration in the state has suspended the operatives involved in the attack, and has commenced full investigation.

Obi while reacting via his verified X handle, said he was seriously disturbed by the vigilante act of wickedness and savagery.

“I strongly condemn this act of wickedness and savagery. No society should ever tolerate the abuse, humiliation, and dehumanisation of its citizens — least of all the vulnerable and women. What happened is not only a violation of law and morality, but also a direct assault on our collective humanity. That young girl could have been anyone’s daughter, sister, or even mine,” Obi stated.

Calling for urgent action, Obi urged the authorities to ensure that those responsible are apprehended, prosecuted, and made examples to deter future acts of barbarism. He further appealed for stronger safeguards and communal values to protect the vulnerable and uphold human dignity.

“We must awaken our conscience and work collectively to build a society where justice is swift, compassion is active, and the dignity of every human being – especially the young and vulnerable – is inviolable,” he said, stressing that “our humanity must always come first. Without it, we are nothing but a people adrift in cruelty.”