The Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Abakaliki Branch, Barrister Ede Samuel Ede,, has firmly rejected the circulating video portraying his encounter with the police in Enugu, describing it as “a deliberately edited and misleading clip that does not reflect the true events.”
Speaking to journalists during the weekend, Ede stated that the video was orchestrated to create a false narrative around his professional involvement in securing legal representation for Achor Chisom, who had been taken into police custody.
He clarified that he was formally invited into the matter by Chisom’s sister and other concerned individuals seeking competent legal intervention.
According to the NBA Chairman, his visit to the State CID, Enugu, was guided strictly by his duty as counsel and his responsibility to ensure that the detained young man received proper legal access, police administrative bail, or timely arraignment.
Ede emphasized that all steps he took were within the bounds of professional ethics.
He recounted that tense scenes at the police unit were filmed without his consent, and critical moments particularly those clarifying his identity and role were intentionally removed before the video was circulated online.
He stressed that the edited clip was crafted to embarrass him and distort the interactions that actually took place.
Despite the social-media traction of the manipulated video, the NBA Chairman affirmed that Chisom later apologized after realizing the misunderstanding caused by misinformation.
He noted that his principal concern remains the protection of the young man's constitutional rights.
Ede also disclosed that he has recently received threatening phone calls targeting him and his family, describing the development as “unfortunate but documented.”
He assured the public that appropriate steps are being taken in line with the law to address cyberbullying and harassment.
Reiterating his unwavering dedication to his professional responsibilities, the NBA Chairman declared: “I remain committed to defending my clients. No amount of distortion or intimidation will stop me from performing my duty as a legal practitioner.”
