The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has called on the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) to immediately commence an independent investigation into the alleged assault on a human rights activist and lawyer, Maxwell Opara, at the premises of the Federal High Court, Abuja on May 7, 2024. The Commission urged everyone, including the aggrieved lawyer to refrain from any action that is at variance with what the legal profession stands for while awaiting the outcome of the investigation, to avoid further escalation of the issue. ALSO READ: We’re committed to upholding protection of press freedom in Nigeria — NHRCThe NHRC boss, who disapproved of the said act while reacting to media reports on the incident, wondered why aggrieved individuals and groups take laws into their own hands attacking and assaulting Citizens. The learned Silk cited national, regional and international Laws and Articles prohibiting any form of assaults, torture or attacks. The Executive Secretary cited Section 39 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 which provides that “Every person shall be entitled to freedom of expression, including freedom to hold opinions and to receive and impart ideas and information without interference.

Source: Nigerian Tribune May 10, 2024 16:22 UTC