Bail Must Be Free — NBA

The Chairman of the Lagos Branch of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Mr. Olabisi Makanjuola, has urged lawyers to report any demands for money in exchange for bail at police stations.

Makanjuola told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Lagos that, according to the provisions of the 1999 Constitution, bail remains free.

He affirmed that the branch would do everything lawful to ensure that bail continues to be free in Lagos State.

He discussed ways to maintain ethical and professional standards in the legal profession.

He stated that the Lagos Branch of the NBA would work to stop demands for money for bail at police stations in Lagos State.

“Our colleagues who visit the police stations often return lamenting that, frequently, money is paid to secure the release of suspects.

“The point we are making is that this must stop; it’s vital that we start getting this right.

“We issue a clarion call to everyone out there: if any officer demands money for bail, please reach out to us, and we will alert the commissioner of police.

“He must fulfil his promise; bail is free and must continue to be free,” the chairman said.

“In the coming weeks and months, the Lagos branch plans to start clamping down on individuals impersonating lawyers.

“If any lawyer behaves in an improper manner, we ask members of the public to report such a person to us; we have an ethics committee,” he said.

Makanjuola added that the branch was dedicated to providing training for lawyers to expose them to various aspects of legal practice beyond litigation.

He expressed confidence that the training would better equip lawyers and reduce ‘ambulance chasing’ and other unethical behaviours by some lawyers.

(NAN)