Sylvester Oromoni: NBA speaks out on family's allegation against member

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has reacted to a press release from the family of Sylvester Oromoni demanding the removal of their representative, Bernard Onigah, from the ongoing investigation into the death of their 12-year-old son .

The NBA, in a statement by its first vice president, John Martins, on Friday called the allegations against Mr. Onigah “baseless.”

Mr. Oromoni, who died in November 2021, was allegedly assaulted by senior colleagues for refusing to join a cult.

After his death, a coroner's inquest to investigate the circumstances of his death began in January.

Mr. Onigah is the former secretary of the NBA's National Human Rights Committee.

The family had requested the attorney's removal on the grounds that he was "obstructing" court proceedings in an effort to delay the case and obstruct the cause of justice.

NBA

The NBA said the NBA's involvement in the fact-finding process was not exceptional, adding that it was based on "reasons of public interest".

Mr. Martins added that the association has participated in similar panels and surveys across the country.

"Our immediate reaction to the said press release was to establish an investigative committee, headed by Mr. John Aikpokpo Martins, the 1st Vice President of our association, who interacted extensively with Mr. Sylvester Oromoni and all parties to the proceedings,” the statement read.

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"Our findings reveal that Mr. Oromoni's allegations are totally unsubstantiated, baseless and false, other findings reveal that the press release is a calculated attempt to intimidate our counsel who have carried out their duties with the highest sense of responsibility, and refused to side with feelings and emotions regarding the matter."

The body said Mr. Onigah has held similar positions in other commissions and inquiries across the country and "has demonstrated exceptional character and received multiple accolades for his intervention of interest audience".

"Assuming that the sole intent of the press release was simply to request the withdrawal of our attorney during the proceedings, we would imagine that this would not normally be a matter to be addressed in front of the press, as Mr. Oromoni's attorney has a solid grasp on the NBA and could easily have achieved this goal without unnecessarily attempting to intimidate our representative and slander the NBA in front of right-thinking members of society.

"The NBA recognizes the regrettable circumstance that gave rise to this investigation and calls on the principal parties and counsel to abide by the rules governing the conduct of the investigation.

"The NBA wishes to encourage members of the public who have an interest in this matter and other similar matters of public interest to make every effort to attend court proceedings where the facts are truly questioned."

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