The Benin branch of the Nigeria
Bar Association (NBA) has barred its members from handling cases of kidnapping
and armed robbery.
According to NAN, the branch
disclosed this in a communiqué signed by Collins Ogiegbaen and Pius Oiwoh, its
chairman and secretary respectively, on Thursday.
The association said it was
withdrawing its services from all suspects whose offences are related to
kidnapping as a result of incessant cases of kidnap and attempted kidnap of its
members.
It said the prohibition was
immediate and would last until otherwise reviewed, adding that any member found
flouting the rule will be heavily sanctioned.
“The branch hereby orders the
immediate withdrawal of services of all lawyers registered with it from
defending persons charged with the grievous and felonious offences of
kidnapping and armed robbery,” read the communiqué.
“In this regard and for purposes
of emphasis, the branch resolves that all lawyers registered with it are
forthwith prohibited from appearing for kidnap suspects, either at the Police
station or in any court within the state.
“That this order for the
withdrawal of services to persons charged with the aforementioned offences
shall be with immediate effect until otherwise reviewed by a subsequent meeting
of the branch.
“Consequently, any member of the
Bar found flouting the resolution/directive shall be heavily sanctioned
accordingly.”
The NBA said it has resolved to
write judges of the criminal division of the state to quickly settle cases of
kidnapping and robbery before it.
“That the Bar resolves to write
to the judges of the criminal division of the high court of the state to
dispense speedily with cases of kidnapping and armed robbery pending before
them,” it added.
“They are also to formally report
to the branch counsel who appears indolent or shows lack of capacity or
diligence in prosecuting these cases, including members of the Bar who are fond
of filing frivolous applications before the court to delay the speedy hearing
and determination of these cases, for sanctions.
“The Bar resolves to inflict
maximum sanctions and punishment on state counsel who are found to have
compromised their briefs or showed lack of capacity or appeared indolent in the
prosecution of persons charged with the heinous crimes of kidnapping and armed
robbery.
“And on defence counsel who have
formed the habit of aiding criminals through unconventional methods and
unlawful means to escape the long arm of justice.”
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