Human rights lawyer Inibehe Effiong has announced the formation of a dedicated legal team in Lagos State to provide representation for protesters who may be arrested during the upcoming nationwide protests.
Effiong made this announcement on his X handle on Thursday, urging fellow lawyers to join the initiative by offering pro bono services.
Effiong emphasized the significance of the protest, describing it as a just cause. “We are putting together a legal team in Lagos State to offer representation to any protester who may be arrested and or charged to court during the forthcoming peaceful protest,” he wrote.
In his call to colleagues in the legal profession, Effiong asked those practicing in Lagos and willing to assist to share their WhatsApp numbers with him privately. “My learned colleagues practicing in Lagos, please share your WhatsApp number with me via DM if you would love to offer pro bono services to protesters,” he urged.
Effiong concluded his message with a note of optimism, stating, “History will vindicate the just,” indicating his belief in the righteousness of the protest and the critical importance of legal support for those involved.
This initiative comes as Nigeria braces for protests driven by economic hardship, with organizers planning demonstrations across all states of the Federation and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, in August. The formation of this legal team aims to ensure that protesters’ rights are protected and that they receive necessary legal representation if detained.
