*Seeks ₦60 Million In Damages From NBA Garki Branch In Rights Enforcement Suit
A member of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has filed a case challenging his removal from his branch’s WhatsApp group, bringing to the forefront questions about digital rights within professional organizations.
Blessing Ekpere Ogbu, a lawyer with 15 years of experience, is seeking N60 million in damages from the NBA Garki Branch leadership in a fundamental rights enforcement suit filed at the Federal Capital Territory High Court, Abuja.
The suit (FCT/HC/CV/2024) names three respondents: Branch Chairman Anthony Bamidele-Ojo, Publicity Secretary Oluwadamilola Victoria Alabi, and the NBA Garki Branch, also known as Liberty Bar.
At the heart of the dispute lies Ogbu’s criticism of the branch leadership’s handling of bye-elections and administrative decisions. Court documents reveal that branch administrators first deleted his comments on October 31, 2024, followed by his complete removal from the platform on November 5, after he questioned the chairman’s absence from a meeting with the NBA President.
“The WhatsApp platform is a source of professional association and interaction where members receive information, share legal advice, and contribute to the progress of the branch,” Ogbu stated in his affidavit. He argues that his removal has significantly impacted his ability to mentor young lawyers and participate in crucial branch discussions.
The suit seeks several declarations, including that the branch leadership lacks the constitutional authority to delete members’ comments or remove financial members from the platform. Ogbu is requesting N50 million in punitive damages and N10 million as cost of action, with a 10% annual post-judgment interest.
His legal team, led by Hadizah Abubakar of Leaderate Legal, argues that the removal violates three fundamental rights protected by the Nigerian Constitution:
– Freedom of thought, conscience, and religion
– Freedom of expression and press
– Right to peaceful assembly and association
According to court documents, the branch chairman has demanded a public apology as a condition for Ogbu’s reinstatement to the platform. The respondents have yet to file their defense.
The case raises important questions about the intersection of digital communication and constitutional rights within professional bodies. It may set a precedent for how professional associations manage social media platforms while respecting members’ fundamental rights.
The matter, filed on December 23, 2024, awaits its first hearing at the FCT High Court, Abuja.
[Editor’s Note: This report is based on court filings containing allegations that have not been proven in court.]