In a heartfelt and impassioned message, Joyce Oduah, Immediate Past General Secretary of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), conveyed her deep concern and urged the Chairman, Vice-chairman (Head of the Human Rights Committee), the Executive, and all members of the Branch to ensure that the harrowing ordeal faced by Miss Uduak Etim Adams, a recent law graduate is not overlooked.

Addressing the critical situation, she emphasised the need to rally support for their colleague, Miss Uduak. Joyce proposed a practical solution: “If 20 individuals within the legal community contribute 50,000 Naira each, they can secure an apartment for Uduak.” She further recommended the establishment of a fundraising team by the Lagos branch leadership to oversee this initiative and pledged her own support.

Joyce expressed gratitude that Uduak escaped a potentially fatal outcome, noting that others in similar situations have met tragic ends. She underscored the urgency of the situation and personally spoke with Uduak on Thursday, 21st September 2023, to gather more information about her plight.

Despite Uduak not being a member of the Lagos Branch or any other branch, Joyce emphasised the importance of supporting her, highlighting the inhumane and degrading treatment she endured. “Although she is not a member of the Lagos Branch or any other Branch, she is a young colleague who has suffered one of the worst forms of inhumane and degrading treatment. We need to support her at this time.” She reiterated her earlier proposal that the Branch raise funds to provide housing for Uduak, as it was her homelessness, having to sleep in a church, and house hunt that led to the traumatising events. She noted that it was not about Branch membership but about upholding the principles of justice, compassion, and humanity.

She praised the Lagos branch leadership for their commitment to resolving the issue and urged other NBA branches to assist Miss Uduak. Furthermore, she appealed to the Lagos State Government and all security agencies within the State to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the matter, ensuring that those responsible for this grave injustice face the full wrath of the law.

Joyce’s message serves as a poignant call to action for the legal community to stand together in solidarity and ensure that Uduak is not left to bear the weight of her trauma alone.