The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Yenagoa Branch, has sent a protest letter to the Commissioner of Police (CP), Bayelsa State Command, Mr. Francis Idu, over the alleged harassment, molestation and intimidation of a lawyer, Mr. Bodiswowei Oyomowie, by officers of the Puff Adder Unit of the Command.

The ordeals of Oyomowie, counsel for the family of a suspect, one Joseph Zolo, who died in the custody of the Puff Adder Unit, began when he reportedly accompanied the youth council leader of Biogbolo Community, two relatives of the deceased to inquire about the circumstances surrounding Zolo?s death in custody.

In a petition to the Bayelsa State Commissioner of Police, Francis Idu, and copied to the Inspector General of Police, the NBA complained about a series of concerning and alarming incidents at the Puff Adder Unit of the command.

The petition signed by the Chairman, NBA, Yenagoa Branch, Barrister Somina Johnbull, and the Chairman, Human Rights Committee, NBA Yenagoa Branch, Lugard Tare-Out, Esq., said the incidents represented a growing pattern of human rights violations and abuses perpetrated by officers at the division.

The lawyers? body said the situation demanded urgent attention and intervention to uphold the dignity and rights of the people of Bayelsa State.

The petition stated: ?On Wednesday, January 8, 2025, Mr. Joseph Zolo (now deceased) and two others were apprehended by the Safer Highways Unit of the Bayelsa State Police Command for alleged possession of marijuana. (The Nation: Text, Excluding Headline)

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