Melaye: NBA sets up defence team for detained lawyers

In a statement signed by the branch’s Human Rights Committee Secretary, Julius Atanawhemera Esq, the association calls for experienced volunteers to indicate interest to join the defence team through the office of the Vice Chairman.

David Amaefula and Pius Udo-Inyang, who are of the law firm of Messrs Rickey Tarfa & Co. Abuja Office, were on Tuesday April 24 arrested by men of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) office Guzape after they were dispatched to the Zankli Medical Centre, Mabushi, Abuja to secure justice for Senator Melaye, who was being admitted there.

Melaye, who was prevented from travelling to Morocco at the airport after he was declared wanted by the Kogi State Command of the Nigeria Police, was said to have sustained injuries on jumping out from a vehicle, which the police say was conveying him to a court in Lokoja.

According to the NBA, Amaefule was assigned to the hospital but his whereabout became unknown that same day as his phone were unreachable.

“On Wednesday 25th April, 2018, three counsel in the firm went to SARS to see Pius Udo- Inyang and we found David Amaefula in their custody. We again inquired as to the reason for their arrest but they were informed that Pius Udo-Inyang and David Amaefula along with two other persons arrested were to be taken to the Magistrate Court,” Atanawhemera said in the statement.

“They were arraigned before the Magistrate Court, Mpape, before His Worship Zubairu on a FIR. We made oral applications for bail which was opposed by the prosecuting counsel. After submission of counsel, His Worship adjourned the matter to the 30th of April, 2018 for ruling. He further ordered that the Defendants be remanded in custody.

“Thee two counsel have since been remanded at Kuje Prison.”