The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) is seeking justice for the assaulted National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member, Ms. Jennifer Elobor, serving in Anambra State.

The NBA in a statement signed by President Afam Osigwe (SAN) and General Secretary, Dr. Mobolaji Ojibara, said justice must be seen to be done while the security operatives who assaulted Elobor must be prosecuted.

“The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) strongly condemns the brutal assault on Ms. Jennifer Elobor, a National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member serving in Anambra State. 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 said.

“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.”

According to the NBA, even where an arrest is to be effected, the law provides clear procedures to ensure that the dignity of the individual is protected.

It condemned the conduct displayed in the video, saying that a young corps member beaten and stripped of her clothing, is a complete negation of those safeguards and an affront to human decency.

The NBA has, however, commended the Anambra State Government for its swift action in identifying and arresting the operatives responsible, saying that this decisive move reflects commendable responsiveness to public outrage.

However, the NBA said accountability must not stop at arrest, insisting 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 statement read.

The NBA stated that this incident highlights the urgent need for comprehensive training, reorientation, and continuous capacity-building of security operatives.

It said respect for human rights, professionalism, and restraint must be embedded in their conduct at all times, urging the Anambra State Government to ensure that mechanisms are put in place to prevent the recurrence of such violations and to reassure citizens that the forces meant to protect them will not become agents of abuse.

It also directed the NBA branches in Anambra State and the National Litigation Committee to closely monitor the 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,” the NBA said.