On Monday, August 25, 2025, the second day of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Annual General Conference at the International Conference Centre in Enugu was marked by protests demanding the release of Hon. Bright Ngene, a Labour Party member of the Enugu State House of Assembly and NBA member, currently serving a seven-year sentence, as reported by Sahara Reporters and The Nation. Ngene, representing Enugu South Urban Constituency, was convicted on June 28, 2024, by the Enugu South Magistrate Court for conspiracy and theft related to a 2017 community dispute involving ₦15.75 million in royalties, despite claims the issue was resolved internally (West Africa Weekly).
Protesters, led by Mr. Benedict Kachukwu, carried placards reading “Release Bar. Bright Ngene now, a political prisoner of conscience” and “NBA please save our democracy,” alleging political motivation behind Ngene’s detention and judicial bias, as two judges recused themselves, leaving his appeal unassigned at the state High Court (Daily Gazette). Kachukwu claimed due process was violated and urged NBA intervention. Security operatives blocked protesters from entering the main hall but allowed a peaceful demonstration around the premises (Vanguard). X posts from @SaharaReporters (August 25, 2025) highlighted the protests, while @VoiceOfTheEast noted 62% public distrust in Enugu’s judiciary (Afrobarometer, 2024). The case, linked to Ngene’s 2023 election victory with 5,200 votes (The Nigerian Lawyer), underscores tensions as Enugu South remains unrepresented.
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