A Lawyer’s Ordeal at the Hands of Security Agencies
A Kwara-based legal practitioner, Nurudeen Aladodo, recounts a harrowing experience he faced at the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) headquarters in Ilorin. The incident occurred on April 10, 2026, when he was visiting the office to assist a client.
The Incident Unfolds
Aladodo had gone to the NSCDC office with another client, Abdulraheem Omonla, to address an issue. As they entered the premises, they encountered an officer named Busari Babatunde, who was standing under a tree. Aladodo approached him to understand what he was trying to communicate. Instead of a clear explanation, the officer responded with abusive language, calling him “mad” and “stupid.”
Aladodo, in an attempt to remain respectful, explained that he was not a child and requested the officer to use more appropriate words. This led to an immediate physical confrontation, as the officer slapped him and began beating him. Other officers joined in, and Aladodo was subjected to a brutal assault. His client, who had accompanied him, also tried to intervene, stating that Aladodo was a lawyer.
Despite this, the officers ignored his professional status and continued the attack. They took him to a station room at the entrance, where the beating persisted. Aladodo later learned that the outgoing commandant, whose name he could only recall as Bodinga, arrived and ordered the officers to stop. However, during the explanation, the officers repeatedly told him to be quiet, preventing him from giving his side of the story.
Aftermath and Medical Treatment
The incident left Aladodo with severe injuries, including a headache, chest pain, and bleeding from his nose and ears. He was hospitalized for over seven days and required extensive medical treatment. The trauma of the event was profound, especially considering that he had gone there in his professional capacity as a lawyer.
Response from the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA)
Aladodo immediately reported the incident to the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), which took it seriously. He mentioned that this was not the first time such an incident had occurred, as another lawyer in Ilorin had been assaulted in the same office just before. The NBA has since taken steps to address the issue, aiming to prevent future occurrences and uphold the rights of legal professionals.
Legal Action and Court Proceedings
Aladodo has initiated a fundamental rights enforcement action, seeking damages for the humiliation and assault he endured. He claims to have suffered financial losses due to the incident, as he was unable to attend a scheduled engagement and remained incapacitated for over a week. A criminal case has also been filed, and the next court date is set for May 18, 2026.
The Role of the Commandant and Alleged Contempt of Court
Aladodo alleges that the commandant of the NSCDC in Kwara State is shielding the involved officers. He claims that the two officers are still present at the headquarters, despite their lawyers’ assertions that they were missing. During court proceedings, the authorities even misrepresented the Deputy Commandant as the Commandant, leading to a shock among the court.
This behavior, according to Aladodo, constitutes contempt of court. The court has given them time to appear, but if they fail to do so, further legal actions will be taken.
Broader Implications
Aladodo believes that such incidents reflect a larger issue between security agencies and legal professionals in Nigeria. He emphasizes the need for accountability, stating that no one is above the law. As a custodian of the law, he feels it is crucial to ensure that justice is served not just for himself, but for all Nigerians.
Personal Motivation and Professional Journey
Aladodo was inspired to study law by a desire to serve the people and protect the dignity of the Constitution. He has been in practice for eight years, specializing in Aviation Law while pursuing a PhD. His work includes handling pro bono cases and representing several companies in Kwara State and beyond.
