The Chairman of the NBA Abuja Branch, Folarin Aluko has said
that Mr. Benson Aigbojie is no longer classified as a person of
Interest in the on going investigation by the Nigerian Police, AIG
Zone 2, Onikan, Lagos State.
This was made known in a press statement signed by the
Chairman.
According to the information disclosed, Benson and Maduabuchi
will make final statements and by noon they will be free to
return.
The Chairman thus thanked the NBA President, Paul Usoro, SAN,
and others for their intervention in the matter.
Below read his statement
Re: Messrs Aigbojie & Maduabuchi
Dear Colleagues,
I am pleased to inform you that Mr. Benson Aigbojie is no
longer classified as a ‘person of interest’ in the ongoing
investigation by the Nigerian Police, AIG Zone 2, Onikan, Lagos
State.
Recall that Mr. Aigbojie became a person of interest
following statements made by his client- who was the Prime Suspect-
to the Police implicating Mr. Aigbojie, in an ostensible attempt to
get access to his Attorney.
Also recall that contrary to some demonstrably false
statements earlier circulating on social media, Mr Aigbojie was
never at any time named in the petition of internet fraud, hacking
or bank fraud.
Without divulging the details of what is still an ongoing
investigation by the Nigeria Police, this incident underscores the
need to review the efficacy of our pretrial processes- starting
with investigation- and general compliance with the provisions of
the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015 and the
domesticated Administration of Criminal Justice laws in the various
states.
As at this evening, 4th August, 2019, the top echelon of the
Nigerian Police Force has intervened to ensure that Mr. Aigbojie is
released unfailingly on Monday, 5th August, 2019.
I would like to thank the leadership of the Nigerian Bar
Association, especially Mr. President, Paul Usoro, SAN for his
prompt intervention and material support in this matter. The
various Branch Chairmen especially the Bwari, Ikorodu and Lagos
Branches and countless other members of the Bar who weighed in
discreetly without seeking fanfare or public attention. The show of
solidarity has been overwhelming as members of the Bar were on hand
at Zone 2, Onikan, Lagos State on a Sunday, to receive Mr.
Aigbojie.
I am also aware that some NGOs have weighed in and lent their
voices to this matter.
Very soon we will have the pleasure of hearing from Mr.
Aigbojie himself, in his own words, and Mr. Maduabuchi about this
ordeal and next steps.
I thank you for your continued support, prayers and
encouragement. God bless the Nigerian Bar Association.
Yours faithfully,
Folarin Aluko
Chairman
Nigerian Bar Association
Abuja Branch (Unity Bar)