In a significant human rights intervention, the Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Abuja Branch (Unity Bar), and Chairman of the Branch Human Rights Committee, Ikemefuna Onyeka, Esq., has facilitated the release of two Inmates, Bali Joshua and Paul Sunday, who had been in custody since 2023 in connection with an alleged homicide.
Upon assuming office on 31st July 2026, Ikemefuna Onyeka, Esq. was briefed on the prolonged detention of the two individuals, whose matter had remained unresolved for more than three years.
Although the Human Rights Committee of the Branch had not yet been formally inaugurated, the Vice Chairman immediately took steps to address the matter, demonstrating an early commitment to the protection of fundamental human rights and access to justice.
Following his intervention, Dr. Amin Abdulhaleem, Esq. and Joseph Okolo, Esq. were engaged to commence appropriate legal proceedings for the enforcement of the inmates’ fundamental rights. The applications culminated in the rulings/judgments delivered on 19 August 2026 and 24 August 2026, respectively.
Pursuant to the court’s decisions, Ikemefuna Onyeka, Esq., accompanied by Dr. Amin Abdulhaleem, Esq. and Joseph Okolo, Esq., today, 31st August 2026, proceeded to the Suleja Correctional Centre to secure the release of the inmates, Bali Joshua and Paul Sunday.
The successful intervention marks an important step in the NBA Abuja Branch’s continuing commitment to the promotion and protection of human rights, particularly in cases involving prolonged detention and access to justice.
The team was received at the correctional facility by the Welfare Officer, Mr. Aliyu Mohamed Idris, who facilitated the necessary processes relating to their release.
The intervention is particularly noteworthy as it demonstrates that the commitment to human rights protection does not necessarily begin with the formal inauguration of a committee. Rather, it begins with the willingness to identify injustice, deploy the law, and pursue appropriate remedies for persons whose fundamental rights may have been infringed.
The release of Bali Joshua and Paul Sunday therefore represents not only a legal victory for the individuals concerned but also an early indication of the Human Rights Committee’s intended focus under the leadership of Ikemefuna Onyeka, Esq., ensuring that the law remains an effective instrument for the protection of liberty, dignity and justice for all.
Pictorial evidence from the release exercise includes photographs of the released individuals with Ikemefuna Onyeka, Esq., Dr. Amin Abdulhaleem, Esq., Joseph Okolo, Esq., and the Welfare Officer of Suleja Correctional Centre, Mr. Aliyu Mohamed Idris.
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